Rohit Sharma sets internet on fire with second fastest ODI ton

Rohit Sharma smashed hundred against England in 2nd ODI. (Photo: BCCI)

For the longest time, Rohit Sharma the batter owed Rohit Sharma the captain a favor. On a humid Sunday at the Barabati Stadium, the 37-year-old Mumbaikar knew the batter in him had no choice but to step up and give his skipper some much-needed breathing room. A massive weight lifted off his shoulders, but his subdued celebrations spoke volumes. It was less about joy and more about sheer relief.

His century (119 off 90 balls, 12 fours, 7 sixes) will undoubtedly rank among his most cherished innings—not just for the numbers but for the immense pressure it carried. When he reflects on his white-ball career, this knock will stand out as a turning point. A captain in form commands respect in the dressing room.

Also Read - Virat Kohli fails to believe after DRS confirms outside edge against Adil Rashid, reaction goes viral

Not that Rohit’s stature had diminished, but as someone who has always played the game on his terms, he wouldn't want to see uncertainty in the eyes of his teammates—even if that included head coach Gautam Gambhir, whose trademark poker face barely gave anything away as he clapped for his captain’s hundred.

Since the home series against New Zealand, Rohit had endured a prolonged slump, facing some of the harshest criticism of his 17-year international career.

Until the opening game in Nagpur, nothing seemed to go right for Rohit—until February 9 arrived. Finally, the sixes started soaring again. The vintage Rohit Sharma was back, reacting instinctively to deliveries rather than overthinking them. Internet went crazy after the Indian skipper smashed his second fastest ODI ton.

Checkout the reactions below...

What a way to get to the HUNDRED! A treat for the fans in Cuttack to witness Captain Rohit Sharma at his best Follow The Match https://t.co/NReW1eEQtF#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/oQIlX7fY1T
BCCI (@BCCI) February 9, 2025

Now thats how you get back in form. Brilliant century from Rohit sharma pic.twitter.com/aRu88rPZ81 Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 9, 2025

If Rohit Sharma can bat like this at the Champions Trophy, India become a different beast to play against. He has looked in command in this innings.
Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 9, 2025

Nervous nineties? Woh kya hota hai? #RohitSharma #INDvENGpic.twitter.com/qUlLPT48Bc Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 9, 2025

Humare yaha aura nahi hawa bolte hai - #INDvENG #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/Idd4GB2cVS
Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 9, 2025

Instagram story of Suryakumar Yadav for Rohit Sharma pic.twitter.com/1kYOwJpzC8 Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 9, 2025

Fastest ODI 100s for Rohit Sharma (by balls)

63 vs Afg Delhi 2023

76 vs Eng Cuttack 2025 *

82 vs Eng Nottingham 2018

82 vs NZ Indore 2023

84 vs WI Guwahati 2018

Unlike the Australia Tests, where he stepped out of the crease to counter movement, he stood deep inside it this time, allowing things to fall into place.

Just as misfortune follows misfortune, when the tide turns, everything starts aligning.

Watch - Faulty floodlights leave Rohit Sharma frustrated in Cuttack, force players to leave field

England’s bowlers made a critical miscalculation in the first ODI, peppering Shreyas Iyer with short-pitched deliveries. In the second ODI, on a track with true bounce, Saqib Mahmood, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton went full—but too full. Rohit, with his vast experience, was quick to capitalize, timing his shots to perfection.