Reminiscing 5 of the most destructive innings by an Indian in the last decade

#3 Rohit Sharma – 209 runs from 158 balls (ODI) vs Australia, Bangalore 2013

At 3rd is Rohit Sharma’s scintillating double century against the Australians. The only batsman in the world with two ODI double centuries to his name, his maiden 200 was an innings of pure power and demolition.

It was the last of the seven-match series between India and Australia and it the series decider. Put into bat, the Indians got off to a steady start. Rohit Sharma was scoring cautiously, without taking any undue risks as he saw off the first 35 overs scoring at a strike rate of just 91.9. His 100 came off 114 deliveries, which though was special, did not have any hint of the extraordinary that was to follow.

After 41 overs, Sharma had scored 113 from 123 deliveries. They say before every storm there is an eerie calm. Sharma’s innings was an exact manifestation of that saying. From 113 off 123, his innings ricocheted to 150 from 140 deliveries to 200 off 156 deliveries. He struck a record 16 sixes in his act of annihilation, helping India post a mammoth 383 in their 50 overs.

He was dismissed in the last over, but not after he racked up 209 runs from just 158 deliveries. His performance helped India down the Aussies to win the series in the most emphatic way possible.