Top 5 ODI run-scorers in 2017

#2 Rohit Sharma – 1293 runs at 71.83

Rohit Sharma was brilliant in 2017

Ever since Rohit Sharma has started opening the batting in One-Day cricket, he’s looked a completely different player. The way he sets up the innings and constructs it is remarkable. He starts off slowly, but once he is set and has assessed the conditions, he can make up for the slow start and can score at an astounding rate.

The year of 2017 has been superb for the Mumbai lad. He missed the first quarter of the year due to a thigh injury. But after a good IPL, Rohit Sharma was back to his best in the Champions Trophy. He started off with a couple of good half-centuries (91 and 78) but in a crucial semi-final encounter against Bangladesh, he struck a superb century (123*) to guide India home in a run-chase of 265.

He continued his good form in Sri Lanka (a place where he had a miserable record) with a fifty and a couple of centuries (124* and 104). His stellar form continued against Australia. After a couple of failures in the first two ODIs, he hit back with a couple of fifties and a majestic century to help India complete a 4-1 series victory against the Aussies.

One would’ve felt that Rohit was in prime form, but his best was yet to come. Under pressure against Sri Lanka after losing the first ODI, captaining India for the first time, he led from the front to shatter the record books as he scored his third ODI double ton (208) in Mohali.

The most astounding fact about all double tons he’s got is that he has started off slowly and then teed off. Even in Mohali, he got to his hundred in the 40th over, but the way he changed gears was magnificent. Thus, he ended the year with a magnificent double ton.

Rohit finished with 1293 runs in 21 games and averaged of 71.83 in 2017. He struck 6 centuries and 5 fifties as well. Also, his opening partnership with Shikhar Dhawan has been one of the reasons why India have been so successful in ODIs this year.