November 2 holds a special place in Indian cricket history. On this day in 2013, Rohit Sharma produced a memorable batting performance against Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, becoming only the third batter to score a double century in men's One-Day International cricket.
Playing in the series-deciding seventh ODI, Rohit struck a magnificent 209 off 158 deliveries, guiding India to a commanding total of 383/6 in 50 overs. His innings featured 12 fours and a then-record 16 sixes, showcasing his ability to combine timing, placement and powerful hitting.
Rohit Sharma's record-breaking innings
Australia won the toss and elected to field, but India's opening pair gave the hosts a strong start. Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan added 112 runs for the first wicket, with Dhawan contributing 60 off 57 balls.
Rohit began cautiously, reaching his half-century from 71 deliveries. Once settled, however, he accelerated and began attacking the Australian bowlers across the ground. His timing and range of strokes put the visitors under increasing pressure.
After reaching his century, Rohit continued to build his innings. He needed only 42 deliveries to move from 100 to 200, bringing up his double century in spectacular fashion. His 16 sixes surpassed Shane Watson's previous record of 15 sixes in an ODI innings.
MS Dhoni provided valuable support towards the end, scoring 62 off just 38 balls. The pair added 167 runs in 94 deliveries, helping India finish with 383/6.
Rohit's innings ended in the final over when he was caught at deep square leg off Clint McKay. By then, he had already produced one of the finest individual performances in India's ODI history.
Australia fight back, but India seal the series
Chasing 384 for victory, Australia faced a demanding target. The visitors lost wickets at regular intervals and found themselves struggling at 138/6.
Glenn Maxwell offered resistance with an explosive 60 off 22 deliveries, while James Faulkner kept Australia's hopes alive with a remarkable 116 off 73 balls. Faulkner's counterattack briefly brought the contest back into focus, but India's bowlers eventually ended the chase.
Australia were bowled out for 326 in 45.1 overs, giving India a 57-run victory and a 3–2 series win.
Rohit was named Player of the Match for his double century and also received the Player of the Series award after scoring 491 runs in the seven-match contest.
A landmark moment in ODI cricket
Rohit's 209 made him the third batter to cross the 200-run mark in men's ODI cricket, following Sachin Tendulkar's unbeaten 200 against South Africa in 2010 and Virender Sehwag's 219 against the West Indies in 2011.
The Bengaluru innings was an important milestone in Rohit's international career. It demonstrated the potential of a batter who would go on to become one of India's most successful ODI players.
More than a decade later, his maiden double century remains a memorable chapter in Indian cricket history and a defining performance in the 2013 series against Australia.
Short Score Summary: India 383/6 (50 overs) beat Australia 326 (45.1 overs) by 57 runs; Rohit Sharma 209 (158), James Faulkner 116 (73). India won the seven-match series 3–2.
Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma (209 off 158 balls).
