On This Day, 10 Years Ago: Rohit Sharma Stunned the Cricket World With a Record-Breaking 264-Run Knock vs Sri Lanka

On this day, ten years ago, Rohit Sharma etched his name in the cricket history books with a jaw-dropping innings of 264 runs against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This wasn’t just another high score—it was a one-day international (ODI) record that remains unbroken.

To truly understand the magnitude of this innings, we need to consider the context. In November 2014, India was hosting Sri Lanka in a five-match ODI series, following a request from Sri Lanka Cricket to step in for a canceled series against West Indies. India was already leading 3-0, and the fourth ODI at Eden Gardens was, for all intents and purposes, a dead rubber. Yet what transpired that day turned the match into one of the most memorable in ODI history. 

Rohit Sharma’s Form and Comeback 

Rohit Sharma had already demonstrated his potential as a destructive opener, but he had been out of the game for a few months due to a finger injury. This match was his comeback, and though expectations were high, no one could have predicted the storm he was about to unleash on the Sri Lankan bowlers. At that point in his career, Rohit was known for his occasional inconsistency; he was often criticized for not fully utilizing his immense talent. However, this innings would signal his evolution into a more consistent and formidable force in cricket. 

A Patient Start: Setting the Foundation 

India won the toss and opted to bat, with Rohit Sharma opening the innings. It wasn’t an explosive start by any means; in fact, Rohit took his time to settle in, scoring just 12 runs off his first 40 balls. Many believed he was taking too long, especially in the context of a high-scoring ODI. But Rohit was laying a foundation, conserving energy, and reading the bowlers, setting himself up for what would come next. 

He played carefully, nudging singles and striking only occasional boundaries as he adjusted to the conditions. In the first 20 overs, he was playing with caution, reaching a modest fifty off 72 balls. But after that milestone, something shifted, and Rohit switched gears in dramatic fashion. 

The Onslaught Begins: Rohit Unleashed 

After reaching his fifty, Rohit’s approach became far more aggressive. The next fifty came off just 28 balls, marking a transition from patience to power. His timing and placement were exquisite, and the Eden Gardens crowd began to sense something special was unfolding. 

By the time he reached his century, Rohit was unstoppable. He had not only found his rhythm but had also put immense pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers. What set this innings apart was Rohit’s combination of ferocity and finesse; he didn’t just hit the ball hard—he placed his shots with surgical precision, threading gaps in the field that most players would only dream of attempting. 

From 100 to 200, Rohit was absolutely relentless, displaying an astounding variety of shots—pulls, drives, lofted shots, and elegant flicks. He played all around the wicket, forcing the Sri Lankan fielders into constant, desperate repositioning. This phase of his innings was especially punishing on the bowlers, as boundaries flowed with ease. Rohit reached his double century in just 151 balls, becoming the only player in ODI history to score two double centuries (his first was 209 against Australia in 2013). But he wasn’t finished yet. 

The Record-Breaking Moment: Reaching 264 

With each passing over, records began to fall. Rohit moved past Virender Sehwag’s 219-run innings, setting a new high for the highest individual score in ODIs. By the time he crossed the 250 mark, every run was adding to his historic feat. His aggression only grew as he neared the end of the innings, showing no signs of fatigue or hesitation. 

In the 50th over, Rohit finished his innings with a staggering 264 runs off 173 balls, including 33 fours and nine sixes. His score alone was higher than what entire teams often achieve in ODI cricket. Sri Lanka, shell-shocked, could only watch as Rohit was carried off the field to thunderous applause. His innings didn’t just break records—it redefined what was possible in an ODI match. 

A Score for the Ages 

Rohit’s innings helped India set an imposing total of 404/5, leaving Sri Lanka with a near-impossible chase. The Sri Lankan team was dismissed for 251, handing India a massive 153-run victory and solidifying Rohit’s innings as the match-defining performance. Even ten years later, no player has surpassed his 264-run record in an ODI. This innings also highlighted Rohit Sharma’s evolution as a batsman. No longer was he a player known for sporadic brilliance—he had cemented his place as one of the finest openers in modern-day cricket. Over the following years, he would go on to score multiple centuries and achieve incredible consistency in limited-overs cricket, earning him the title of “Hitman.” 

Reflecting on the Impact 

Reflecting on that innings, Rohit Sharma himself has often credited his ability to stay calm under pressure and his unwavering focus. He managed his workload with incredible poise, adapting to the conditions and adjusting his strategy with every phase of the game. From a slow, cautious start to a breathtaking final stretch, Rohit’s 264 embodies everything that makes cricket such a thrilling sport to watch. 

Today, as we look back on this iconic knock, it’s clear that Rohit Sharma’s 264 against Sri Lanka was not only a record-breaking performance but a masterclass in batting. It’s a feat that may stand the test of time, reminding us of what’s possible when talent, focus, and determination come together on the cricket field.