Class ultimately prevails. At times, this may require a significant duration, as was the case with Rohit Sharma but the definition of 'a while' is inherently subjective, is it not?

What constitutes 'a while'? In Rohit's situation, it was less than four months. However, these months were fraught with challenges and frustrations, during which runs eluded him in Test cricket, regardless of whether he batted as an opener or at No. 6, and irrespective of facing the red or pink ball.

A series of disappointing scores obscured the true caliber of the player, yet the shroud of doubt and skepticism was decisively torn away at the Barabati Stadium on Sunday night. Rohit selected a full house in Cuttack to remind the skeptics of the enduring nature of class, showcasing the Rohit that the cricketing world has come to admire and cherish, a formidable presence that overwhelmed England with his 32nd One-Day International century.

His impressive 119, featuring numerous towering sixes that elevated him to second place among the leading six-hitters in 50-over internationals, marked the captain's first significant performance since scoring 52 in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand on October 18. In the interim, his scores were 0, 8, 18, 11, 3, 6, 10, 3, 9 (all in Test cricket) and 2 in the first ODI on Thursday in Nagpur, culminating in a mere 70 runs across his last 10 international innings—hardly reflective of a player of Rohit's caliber and reputation.

Amidst the escalating criticism, Rohit largely maintained his composure, adhering to his processes and retaining confidence in his strategies, supported by his diligent work ethic. Occasionally, as seen before the first ODI when questioned about his future post-Champions Trophy, he displayed signs of frustration—an understandable reaction to a series of low scores—but for the most part, he found solace in the belief that it was merely a matter of time before he regained his form.

Rohit could not have chosen a more advantageous moment to take action for several reasons. This three-match series against Jos Buttler's team marks India's first ODI matches since August and will transition into the Champions Trophy, which commences in just over a week. With a 1-0 lead, India faced a challenging target of 305 runs, aiming to extend their remarkable streak of home series victories against England to nine. While the batting lineup displayed considerable depth, it would certainly be beneficial if the captain could secure a few runs as well.

Rohit Sharma ensured there's no lack of respect for him inside the Indian dressing room

One of the most disheartening experiences for a leader who consistently sets a standard for his peers to follow is the feeling of disappointing his colleagues. Rohit’s extensive contributions have maintained a steady level of respect, admiration, and even awe over the past four months. However, he, more than anyone else, would have felt an urgent desire to score runs, if only to reassure himself that his prowess as a run-scorer remains vibrant and formidable.

Rohit had the option to pursue an alternative approach to reestablishing his scoring ability, but that would not have been true to his character. Over the past two and a half years, he has been a dominant presence in white-ball cricket, and he remained faithful to his nature with a ferocious display that left England’s pace bowlers in a state of anxiety and disbelief.

The onslaught commenced in the second over when he charged at Gus Atkinson, producing a thick outside edge that sailed over cover-point for four runs. The subsequent delivery was effortlessly dispatched over long-on for six, followed by another from Saqib Mahmood that was struck powerfully over long-off. At this point, the Barabati Stadium was alive with excitement, and Rohit was in his element, akin to a cat indulging in a bowl of rich cream. Even a brief disruption caused by a malfunctioning light tower did not detract from the spectacle as Rohit entered the coveted 'zone' that batters often seek but rarely achieve.

Rohit did not attempt to hit his way out of a predicament. He did not swing wildly or slog in a desperate bid for runs. Instead, there was a clear strategy behind his apparent recklessness. The black-soil pitch discouraged horizontal bat strokes, prompting Rohit to adopt a more traditional approach—albeit one that resulted in an impressive 119 runs off 90 balls, including 12 fours and seven sixes—as he focused on targeting the straight field and refrained from cutting or pulling unless the delivery was exceptionally short.

His final six, struck off leg-spinner Adil Rashid, brought him to his century. There was no extravagant celebration, no dramatic gesture towards the commentary box, nor any exuberant display of triumph. Calm as ever, Rohit simply raised his bat, accepted the embrace of Shreyas Iyer, and continued with the match.

Read Also: Will Rohit Sharma Maintain ODI Form? Manjrekar Questions Consistency After Century

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