Rohit Sharma scripted history on Thursday, scoring a breathtaking 264, the highest individual total in One-Day Internationals, as India beat Sri Lanka by 153 runs in the fourth match of the series at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.
His whirlwind knock, which came off just 173 balls, bettered the previous record held by countryman Virender Sehwag, who smashed 219 against the West Indies at Indore in 2011.
He also became the only player in world cricket to score two double hundreds in the 50-over format, having scored 209 against Australia at Bangalore last November.
Asked if he was tired after the epic knock, a smiling Rohit replied: "Not really. I have had a break due to injury and I am not tired at all. I could have continued for another 50 overs."
Rohit also broke Shikhar Dhawan's List A record score of 248, scored against South Africa ‘A’ in Pretoria last year.
His 173-ball essay was studded with 33 boundaries and nine sixes. The last 214 runs came off just 101 balls!
His 33 boundaries are the highest by an individual in an ODI innings.
Rohit said once he got to 50, he was well-set and had to get a big one.
"Once I got to 50, I had to convert it into a big score. Normally, I have an idea of the team total as it helps you to build an innings. We know that under lights with dew factor into consideration, 350 is not a safe score anymore at the Eden Gardens."
Rohit, however was lucky, as he was dropped on his individual score of four when he slashed hard at a Shaminda Eranaga delivery and the resultant dolly was dropped at third-man by Thisara Perera.
The Eden Gardens holds a special place in Rohit's heart as he scored a big hundred (177) on debut against the West Indies at the venue last year.
He also scored a T20 hundred (60-ball 109) at the Eden for Mumbai Indians against Kolkata Knight Riders two seasons back.
"It's been a great venue for me as I got my hundred on Test debut at this venue. The crowd were cheering me right through."
Photographs: BCCI
