Rohit Sharma has been named Man of the Series in the ODI series against Australia, showcasing stellar performances including a century and consistent scoring, even as India lost the series 1-2. (Image Credit: Instragram/amu_45x)
Australia vs India: Indian opener Rohit Sharma was the pick of the pack in the just-concluded ODI series against Australia, winning the Player of the Series award despite India losing the series 1-2. The veteran campaigner exhibited brilliant consistency, scoring 202 runs in the three matches, including a match-winning century in the third ODI in Sydney.
Rohit came back into the Indian ODI team after seven months and at once reminded everyone why he is regarded as one of the finest limited-overs batsmen in the world.
Against Australia in the second ODI, Rohit made a mature half-century, keeping India in the hunt, while in the final ODI, he went on to hit an unbeaten 121 from 125 balls, leading India to a facile nine-wicket victory over Australia in Sydney.
Rohit's hundred in the third ODI also became his landmark moment as he achieved his 50th international century, including 33 in ODIs, 12 in Tests, and 5 in T20Is.
This feat put Rohit on par with cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, becoming just the third Indian and 10th overall to achieve this feat. His performance not only won India the game but also proved his pressure-handling prowess, even in a losing campaign.
Player of the Series accolade is evidence of Rohit Sharma's consistency and influence, regardless of India's aggregate performance. His success against quality Australian bowling, particularly on tough Australian soil in Sydney, was proof of his class and know-how.
Rohit's attacking yet measured strategy kept India in the game throughout the series and ensured he topped the Indian run-scoring charts.
Rohit's Player of the Series award brings to mind MS Dhoni, the previous previous captain to receive it in an ODI series.
Dhoni did so in January 2019 against Australia, making 193 runs in a span of three matches, three of them half-centuries, and emerged as the oldest Indian to be awarded the honor.
In contrast to Dhoni, whose effort ensured that India took a historic series victory, Rohit did so when India lost the series, reinforcing his brilliance as a player.
