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OTD: When Rohit Sharma Made History With His Third Double Century In 2017

Soumyajit Dutta

Rohit Sharma penned his name in the history books with his 3rd double hundred in 2017 [Source: @ashwrathe/X.com]Rohit Sharma penned his name in the history books with his 3rd double hundred in 2017 [Source: @ashwrathe/X.com]

Seven years ago, on December 13, Indian cricket captain Rohit 'Hitman' Sharma etched his name in the history books by becoming the first-ever cricketer to hit three double centuries in ODI cricket. The historic feat was achieved against Sri Lanka in the second ODI played in Mohali on December 13, 2017.

Rohit, who remained unbeaten on a breathtaking 208, showcased his extraordinary skills with the bat and played a captain's knock, smashing boundaries and sixes at every corner of the ground. This was his second double-century against Sri Lanka, having previously scored a record-breaking 264 in Kolkata in 2014. His maiden double ton came in 2013 against Australia in Bangalore, where he scored 209 runs.

Well, double centuries are always special and achieving three double centuries in ODIs makes one a rare player in cricket history. What could be more remarkable than that? 

Notably, December 13 also marks the marriage anniversary of Rohit and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, as they celebrate nine years of married life. Looking back at it today, what could have been a more special anniversary gift than making one's wife proud with a masterclass inning? Let's take a look at Rohit's massive inning that penned him a world-record holder.

Rohit Thrashes Sri Lanka In 2nd ODI

Losing the toss, India was sent to bat first. However, the Men in Blue got off to a flying start, with Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan putting on a solid 115-run partnership. While Dhawan departed after a quickfire 68, Rohit continued to dominate the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Reaching his century off 115 balls, Rohit accelerated his innings and soon surpassed the 200-run mark. His unbeaten knock of 208, which included 13 fours and 12 sixes, powered India to a mammoth total of 392 runs. Shreyas Iyer also partnered with him significantly to notch up 88 runs.

Sri Lanka, chasing a daunting target, faced a tough task. Despite a valiant century from Angelo Mathews, who remained unbeaten on 111, the Sri Lankan team fell short, managing to score only 251 runs. Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming three wickets for 60 runs.

Rohit Sharma's magnificent innings also earned him the Player of the Match award, as India secured a convincing 141-run victory. Though the skipper is going through a lean patch in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his remarkable inning back in 2017 cemented his place as one of the greatest ODI batters of all time.