Rohit Sharma’s highest score in ODI — an unforgettable 264 runs against Sri Lanka — remains one of cricket’s greatest innings. Discover how the ‘Hitman’ made history at Eden Gardens, the story behind the record, key stats, expert reactions, and why this knock still defines batting brilliance in world cricket.
Introduction: The Day Cricket Witnessed Perfection
When it comes to modern-day batting geniuses, few names evoke the same level of admiration as Rohit Sharma. Known affectionately as the ‘Hitman’, Rohit has redefined what elegance and power mean in one-day cricket. His ability to turn calm starts into monumental innings has left fans and bowlers speechless — but nothing compares to that iconic day on November 13, 2014, when he etched his name into cricketing folklore with an unbelievable 264 runs against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
That innings wasn’t just about numbers. It was about rhythm, artistry, and the effortless timing that defines Rohit Sharma’s batting. It was a day when the cricket world bowed to his genius — the day Hitman made history.
A Look Back: The Calm Before the Storm
Rohit Sharma had already shown glimpses of his brilliance. By 2014, he was the first player to score a double century in ODIs (209 vs Australia in 2013). But cricket fans and experts knew — there was more to come.
When India faced Sri Lanka in the fourth ODI at Kolkata, Rohit was returning from an injury layoff. Not many expected him to do something extraordinary that day. Even the crowd didn’t realize they were about to witness the greatest ODI innings in history.
He started cautiously, as he always does — taking his time to assess the pitch, eyeing gaps, and setting the foundation. Once he got past 50, something switched. The timing sharpened, the wrists loosened, and every delivery started to find the middle of his bat.
The Knock That Redefined Greatness
As the innings progressed, Rohit shifted gears like only he can. His shot selection was impeccable, mixing elegant drives with thunderous pull shots.
He reached his 100 off 100 balls, a fairly steady pace — but what followed after that century was pure destruction. He scored the next 164 runs off just 73 balls, smashing the Sri Lankan bowlers all around Eden Gardens.
By the time he finished, India had posted a massive total of 404/5, and Rohit Sharma walked back unbeaten on 264 off 173 balls, including 33 fours and 9 sixes — the highest individual score ever in ODI cricket.
Breaking Down the Innings – A Record for the Ages
Let’s break down what made this innings so special:
| Statistic | Rohit Sharma (vs Sri Lanka, 2014) |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 264 |
| Balls Faced | 173 |
| Fours | 33 |
| Sixes | 9 |
| Strike Rate | 152.60 |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Date | November 13, 2014 |
| Result | India won by 153 runs |
Every shot he played that day reflected a combination of technique, temperament, and touch. The knock was so overwhelming that the next highest scorer for India was Virat Kohli with 66.
When he crossed 200 again, he became the only batsman in history to achieve two double centuries in ODIs. Today, he holds three (209, 264, and 208*), making him the undisputed king of big innings.
What Makes Rohit Sharma’s 264 Unique
While there have been many great innings in cricket, Rohit Sharma’s 264 stands out for several reasons:
- Sheer Volume of Runs: No one before or since has come close to 264 in ODIs.
- Consistency Under Pressure: Returning from injury and opening the innings, Rohit handled the pressure beautifully.
- Controlled Aggression: Unlike slogging, his shots were pure cricketing strokes — drives, pulls, and cuts, all executed with precision.
- Endurance: Batting for 173 balls in humid conditions requires immense stamina and focus.
- Solo Domination: The next highest score in the match was 66 — proving how far above the rest Rohit was that day.
The Global Impact: When the Cricket World Stood Still
As the innings unfolded, social media exploded. Fans, legends, and journalists couldn’t believe what they were watching. Hashtags like #RohitSharma264 and #HitmanInEden trended globally.
Former players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Sourav Ganguly hailed it as one of the greatest ODI innings ever played. Even opposition bowlers — shell-shocked by what they had experienced — admitted they had “run out of ideas.”
That match turned Rohit Sharma from a talented player into a global cricketing icon. His ability to combine grace with brute force made him a symbol of modern Indian batting.
Rohit Sharma’s Other Record-Breaking Innings
While 264 remains his magnum opus, Rohit has produced several other breathtaking performances in ODIs:
- 209 vs Australia (Bangalore, 2013): His first double century, setting the tone for his ODI dominance.
- 208 vs Sri Lanka (Mohali, 2017):* A captain’s knock filled with controlled aggression.
- 171 vs Australia (Perth, 2016):* A masterclass in timing on bouncy wickets.
- 140 vs Pakistan (Manchester, 2019 World Cup): A big-match innings that solidified his World Cup reputation.
Each of these knocks showed a different side of Rohit Sharma — the technician, the aggressor, and the leader.
The Hitman Mindset: How Rohit Turns Calm into Carnage
What sets Rohit apart is his temperament. He doesn’t rush. He builds. He studies bowlers, understands field settings, and waits for his moment.
He once said in an interview:
“The key is to respect the first 30 balls. Once you’re set, it’s your game to dominate.”
That patience is what allows him to convert starts into marathon innings. Unlike most players who fade after a century, Rohit seems to shift into another gear. His 264 was not luck — it was a result of discipline and perfect shot selection.
Eden Gardens Magic – The Perfect Backdrop
There couldn’t have been a more iconic venue for this record than Eden Gardens. Known as the Mecca of Indian Cricket, it has witnessed legends like Gavaskar, Tendulkar, and Ganguly — and on that night, Rohit Sharma joined their ranks.
The crowd roared with every boundary, and by the time he reached 250, fans were on their feet, knowing they were witnessing cricket history.
Legacy of the 264: A Benchmark for Greatness
Rohit Sharma’s 264 isn’t just a number — it’s a statement. It symbolizes the evolution of limited-overs batting. It inspired a new generation of cricketers to aim higher and believe that anything is possible.
Even today, over a decade later, no batsman has crossed 265 in ODIs. The record stands tall, just like the man who created it.
Rohit Sharma’s Evolution as a Cricketer
Since that innings, Rohit Sharma has transformed into one of the most successful captains in world cricket. From leading Mumbai Indians to multiple IPL titles to guiding Team India as a calm and strategic skipper, he’s proven his leadership credentials.
He’s no longer just the Hitman — he’s Captain Rohit, the tactician, the mentor, and the heart of Indian cricket’s golden era.
Statistical Brilliance: Rohit Sharma’s ODI Numbers (as of 2025)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 262+ |
| Runs Scored | 10,500+ |
| Centuries | 31+ |
| Double Centuries | 3 |
| Highest Score | 264 |
| Average | 48+ |
| Strike Rate | 91+ |
| Fours | 1000+ |
| Sixes | 300+ |
Fan Reactions: The Love for the Hitman
Even years later, fans continue to celebrate November 13 as “Rohit Day.” Social media floods with tributes, edits, and throwback clips of that 264 innings.
It wasn’t just an Indian celebration — it was global. From Melbourne to Mumbai, cricket lovers recognized that they had witnessed something that may never happen again.
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Expert Opinions
- Sachin Tendulkar: “Rohit’s timing and placement are gifts that only a few batsmen are born with.”
- Virat Kohli: “The 264 wasn’t just about power; it was about patience and intelligence.”
- Michael Clarke: “That knock redefined what’s possible in one-day cricket.”
Why Rohit Sharma Inspires Millions
Rohit Sharma’s journey is not just about records — it’s about resilience.
He faced early career setbacks, was dropped multiple times, and battled criticism about inconsistency. But each time, he came back stronger.
His 264 symbolized redemption — a reminder that talent means little without perseverance.
sources
- BCCI.tv – Official Player Profile: Rohit Sharma
- ICC – Player Rankings and Match Records
- ESPNcricinfo – Rohit Sharma Career Statistics & Match Details
- Cricbuzz – Rohit Sharma Profile & ODI Match Analysis
- IPL Official Website – Mumbai Indians Captain Profile
- BBC Sport – Cricket Features & Player Highlights
- The Hindu – Indian Cricket Features & Records
- Times of India – Rohit Sharma News & Record Updates
- Hindustan Times – Match Reports & Cricket Features
FAQ
1. What is Rohit Sharma’s highest score in ODI cricket?
Rohit Sharma’s highest ODI score is 264 runs against Sri Lanka on November 13, 2014, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
2. How many double centuries has Rohit Sharma scored in ODIs?
Rohit Sharma has scored three double centuries — 209, 264, and 208*, all in ODIs.
3. Who holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs?
Rohit Sharma holds the record with 264 runs, the highest individual ODI score in cricket history.
4. When did Rohit Sharma make his ODI debut?
Rohit Sharma made his ODI debut for India on June 23, 2007, against Ireland in Belfast.
5. Why is Rohit Sharma called the ‘Hitman’?
Because of his ability to hit clean and long sixes effortlessly and dominate bowling attacks, fans and commentators started calling him the ‘Hitman’.
6. What are Rohit Sharma’s achievements as captain?
He has led Mumbai Indians to 5 IPL titles and guided Team India to several bilateral series wins and Asia Cup titles.
7. Which bat did Rohit Sharma use during his 264?
He used a CEAT bat, his long-time sponsor, known for its perfect balance and power.
Conclusion: The Day Hitman Made History
Rohit Sharma’s highest score in ODI wasn’t just a statistical marvel — it was poetry in motion. It was a reminder that cricket is not only about boundaries and sixes, but also about art, patience, and mental strength.
Every time a young cricketer picks up a bat and dreams big, they look up to Rohit Sharma — the Hitman who turned records into legends.
His 264 isn’t just the highest score in ODI history.
It’s the gold standard of brilliance.
A moment when time stood still, and cricket found its Hitman forever.
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