Rohit Sharma Aims to Rewrite History as India Faces Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2023 Final
In a highly anticipated showdown, India is set to take on Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 17th, at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium. While cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly await this clash of titans, there’s an additional layer of excitement building up as Indian skipper Rohit Sharma inches closer to etching his name in the annals of cricket history.
Record in the Crosshairs
The stage is set for Rohit Sharma to break the all-time record for the most runs scored by an Indian player in the Asia Cup (ODI) history. This illustrious record was previously held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, a name synonymous with cricket excellence. Tendulkar’s legacy in the sport is unparalleled, and Rohit Sharma’s quest to surpass his record is a testament to his own cricketing prowess.
A Target of 33 Runs
As the Indian team’s formidable captain, Rohit Sharma is no stranger to making headlines with his brilliant performances. He recently achieved the remarkable milestone of 10,000 runs in ODIs during India’s second Super Fours match of the Asia Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka. Now, he requires just 33 runs in the final against the same opponent to surpass Tendulkar’s record of 971 runs in the Asia Cup (ODI) for India.
Tendulkar’s Remarkable Feats
Sachin Tendulkar’s contributions to Indian cricket are etched in golden letters. In his 23 appearances in the Asia Cup for the Men in Blue, Tendulkar displayed his unparalleled mastery with the bat, amassing a total of 971 runs. This remarkable achievement included two centuries and seven fifties. Under his leadership, India clinched the Asia Cup title in 1990-91 and 1995, while they reached the final in 1997.
Rohit’s Impressive Journey
Rohit Sharma, who will be playing his 28th Asia Cup (ODI) match on Sunday, has already amassed 939 runs in 27 matches played so far. His impressive batting average of 46.95 in the ODI format of this premier continental event is a testament to his consistency. With one century and nine fifties to his name, Rohit’s memorable century against Pakistan in 2018 during the Super Fours match remains a highlight of his Asia Cup journey.
A Potential Milestone
Should Rohit Sharma score 33 runs in the summit clash, he will not only break Sachin Tendulkar’s record but also become the all-time leading run-scorer in the Asia Cup (ODI) for India. Additionally, if he manages to accumulate 61 runs, he will join an elite club, becoming the first Indian batter and the third overall, after Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara, to score 1000+ runs in Asia Cup (ODI) history.
| Position | Name | Matches | Runs | Best | Average |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 23 | 971 | 114 | 51.10 |
| 2 | Rohit Sharma | 27 | 939 | 111* | 46.95 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | 15 | 742 | 183 | 61.83 |
| 4 | Mahendra Singh Dhoni | 19 | 648 | 109* | 64.8 |
| 5 | Gautam Gambhir | 13 | 573 | 100 | 44.07 |
Kohli’s Contribution
Adding to India’s batting arsenal is the batting maestro, Virat Kohli. In 15 Asia Cup (ODI) matches, Kohli has amassed 742 runs. After his splendid unbeaten 122-run performance against Pakistan, cricket fans can expect fireworks from him as well, as he seeks to propel India to a memorable victory in the final.
Cricket enthusiasts from both nations and around the world will be glued to their screens as they witness history in the making when Rohit Sharma strides onto the field on September 17, 2023. Will he surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record and etch his name in the annals of cricket history? The world waits with bated breath.
