In a career filled with staggering milestones and unforgettable innings, Rohit Sharma has added another glittering feather to his illustrious cap. The Indian captain, fondly known as the Hitman, has become the first batter in history to score 1,000 ODI runs in India-Australia matches played in Australia — a feat that no other Indian, not even Virat Kohli or Sachin Tendulkar, has achieved before.

The historic moment unfolded at the Adelaide Oval during the second ODI of the three-match series between India and Australia. Rohit, who needed just two runs to reach the 1,000-run landmark, achieved it in vintage style — by punching a crisp boundary off Mitchell Starc on the fifth delivery of the third over.

With that single shot, he not only etched his name in the record books but also reaffirmed why he remains one of the most consistent and dangerous batters against Australia in their own backyard.

Rohit Sharma Beats Virat Kohli to the 1,000-Run Milestone

Rohit Sharma’s dominance against Australia Down Under has been exceptional. The 38-year-old opener has now accumulated 1,003 runs in 21 matches*, averaging an impressive 55.77, with four centuries and two half-centuries to his name. His highest score — a blistering 171 — remains one of the most memorable knocks by an Indian on Australian soil.

Trailing behind Rohit is none other than Virat Kohli, who has amassed 802 runs in 20 matches* at an average of 44.55, including three centuries and four fifties, with a top score of 117.

While Kohli has often expressed his love for facing the Aussies, it is Rohit who statistically outshines him, both in terms of runs and consistency. Kohli’s strike play is elegant, but Rohit’s combination of patience and power-hitting makes him the ultimate nemesis for Australia’s bowlers.

Most Runs in India vs Australia ODIs (in Australia)

Here’s a look at the top batters who have dominated this high-voltage bilateral rivalry on Australian soil:

This elite list places Rohit at the pinnacle — ahead of legends like Kohli, Tendulkar, Dhoni, and even the Australian run-machines Steve Smith and Aaron Finch.

Rohit Sharma Among Global ODI Greats in Australia

Rohit Sharma’s record becomes even more impressive when placed in a global context. Among all international batters, he now stands in the top five for most ODI runs scored against Australia in Australia — rubbing shoulders with legends from the West Indies and Sri Lanka.

If Rohit scores 16 more runs, he will surpass Mahela Jayawardene, and with 174 more runs in this ongoing series, he could overtake Kumar Sangakkara — further cementing his status as one of the best overseas ODI performers in Australia.

Most ODI Runs in Australia by Non-Australian Batters

When it comes to overall ODI runs scored in Australia, regardless of opposition, Rohit Sharma is steadily climbing the charts among non-Australian players:

The record for most ODI runs scored in Australia by an Indian still belongs to Sachin Tendulkar, who accumulated 1,491 runs in 47 matches. But Rohit Sharma, with 1,341 runs in 33 ODIs**, is closing in fast. Kohli follows closely with 1,327 runs in 32 matches, while MS Dhoni and Shikhar Dhawan complete the top five.

Most ODI Runs in Australia by Indian Batters

Given Rohit’s form and his habit of scoring big in Australian conditions, it may only be a matter of time before he surpasses Tendulkar’s mark.

501st International Match: Another Milestone

The Adelaide ODI also marked another significant moment in Rohit Sharma’s career — his 501st international appearance for India. He became only the fifth Indian and 11th cricketer overall to play 500 or more international matches, joining an elite list featuring Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli.

India’s Situation in the Ongoing ODI Series

India are currently facing Australia in a crucial second ODI after a disappointing defeat in the first match. The team, eager to level the series, has placed immense faith in Rohit’s experience and form. Despite scoring only eight runs in the opening game, Rohit’s record-breaking start in Adelaide has already given fans reason to cheer.

His ability to provide explosive starts at the top of the order remains crucial if India are to bounce back and keep the series alive.

Rohit Sharma’s Chance to Break a World Record for Sixes

As if breaking run records wasn’t enough, Rohit is also on the brink of rewriting another global record — this time for the most sixes in ODI cricket.

Rohit currently has 344 sixes in the 50-over format, just seven short of the all-time record held by Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi, who smashed 351 sixes in his career.

If Rohit manages to hit eight more sixes during this series against Australia, he will surpass Afridi and become the player with the most sixes in ODI history.

Notably, across all three formats combined, Rohit already holds the record for most sixes in international cricket — a staggering 637 maximums and counting.

A Legacy That Keeps Growing

From being labeled a talent who underachieved early in his career to becoming one of India’s most dependable match-winners, Rohit Sharma’s journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. His record in Australia — one of the toughest countries for subcontinental batters — stands as a testament to his adaptability, temperament, and class.

With his latest milestone, the Hitman not only surpasses contemporaries like Virat Kohli but also joins a pantheon of legends such as Viv Richards, Desmond Haynes, and Kumar Sangakkara. And with more ODIs and series to come, Rohit’s story Down Under is far from over.

As fans and analysts celebrate this achievement, one thing is certain — Rohit Sharma’s love affair with Australian pitches continues, and the records are just another reflection of his enduring brilliance.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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