On this day in 2014: Rohit Sharma does the unthinkable against Sri Lanka

For Rohit Sharma and Indian cricket fans, 13th November 2014 will be a truly special day. For it was on this day that one of India’s best opening batters slammed the highest-ever score in the 50-over format much to the delight of the jam-packed crowd at Eden Gardens.

India had already won the first three matches to pocket the series but even then the fans were excited for the dead rubber in Kolkata. And Rohit Sharma made it memorable for them. After opting to bat first, India lost Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu early and the onus fell upon Rohit and the then stand-in skipper Virat Kohli.

Rohit played in his own characteristic style as he first eased into the conditions and then took the toll on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Kohli, at the other end, played second fiddle to him. Their partnership of 202 runs was finally breached in the 39th over. Kohli’s dismissal was a glimmer of hope for the Lankan bowlers. But what followed was absolute carnage!

Rohit turned on his beast mode in the last 10 overs. He hit the likes of Kulasekara, Eranga, Ajantha Mendis and Angelo Mathews out of the park making them suffer his wrath. He completed his second double century in ODIs in the 46th over and switched to the fifth gear in the last four overs to scale new heights in the 50-over format. Robin Uthappa was at the other end and duly ensured that his partner faces more deliveries.

The opener powered India past the 400-run mark in 50 overs. In the process, Rohit also made a world record as he smashed the highest-ever score in the ODIs. He scored 264 runs in 173 balls and his superb knock was laced with 33 fours and nine gigantic sixes. It goes without saying that he was named the Player of the Match and Sri Lanka lost to him by 13 runs as they scored only 251 runs in response.

The record is still intact after seven years and if any batsman can cross the 300-run mark in ODIs, then it is none other than Rohit Sharma, the hitman.