Rohit Sharma Century: R Ashwin Questions His Best Form Despite 35th ODI Hundred

Rohit Sharma produced another memorable performance during India’s second ODI against West Indies at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on September 30, 2026. The veteran opener scored a century as India successfully chased a massive target of 406 runs.

However, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Rohit still has some technical issues to address despite his impressive numbers. Ashwin’s assessment came after closely observing the way the 39-year-old handled length and back-of-a-length deliveries around the stumps.

Rohit Sharma Scores 35th ODI Century

Rohit played an important role in India’s record chase against West Indies. Opening alongside captain Shubman Gill, he provided the foundation for an extraordinary batting performance.

Rohit scored 101 runs from 75 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and six sixes. His aggressive approach helped India maintain a strong scoring rate during the chase.

The century was Rohit’s 35th in ODI cricket and another reminder of his ability to produce match-defining performances even at this stage of his career.

Rohit and Shubman Gill Destroy West Indies Attack

India’s opening pair completely changed the complexion of the chase.

Rohit and Gill added 255 runs for the first wicket from only 158 deliveries. Their partnership put India firmly in control after West Indies posted 405/7 in their 50 overs.

While Rohit eventually departed for 101, Gill continued his extraordinary innings and finished unbeaten on 223 from 133 balls.

India reached 406/2 in just 43.3 overs, winning the match by eight wickets with 39 balls remaining. The victory also gave India their highest successful ODI run chase.

R Ashwin Questions Rohit’s Current Batting Form

Despite Rohit’s century, Ashwin believes the veteran is not currently batting at his best.

Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, Ashwin highlighted a particular technical issue that he noticed during Rohit’s innings.

According to Ashwin, Rohit has occasionally struggled against good-length deliveries around the stumps. The opener has been attempting his trademark pickup shot toward the leg side more frequently, and Ashwin believes this has resulted in him missing some deliveries that he would normally handle comfortably.

Ashwin’s assessment does not diminish Rohit’s century. Instead, it highlights how a batter can score heavily while still having areas of his technique that opponents could potentially target.

The Pickup Shot Could Become a Target

Rohit’s pull and pickup shots have been among the most recognizable aspects of his batting throughout his career. His ability to dispatch short and length deliveries toward the leg side has often made him extremely difficult to contain.

However, Ashwin believes Rohit is currently looking for that shot more often than usual.

When a batter begins moving his body toward a particular shot before the ball reaches the ideal hitting zone, it can create technical complications. Ashwin believes Rohit’s movement toward the leg side has occasionally affected his shape while facing deliveries around the stumps.

Why Better Fast Bowlers Could Challenge Rohit

Ashwin suggested that high-quality fast bowlers could potentially exploit the issue by bowling back-of-a-length deliveries around Rohit’s body and stumps.

The idea is to restrict Rohit’s ability to freely extend his arms and play his preferred leg-side shots. If the ball remains close to his body, he may have less time to adjust his movement.

However, Rohit’s experience means he has the ability to recognize such patterns and make technical adjustments during a series.

Rohit Has Still Produced Strong Numbers

The discussion about Rohit’s technique comes despite his impressive performances in the series.

After two matches, Rohit has scored 133 runs at an average of 66.50 and a strike rate of 120.90, including his century in the second ODI.

These numbers demonstrate that his current batting remains highly productive even if Ashwin believes there are technical areas that can improve.

His ability to score quickly has also been particularly valuable in India’s aggressive approach during the series.

Why Rohit’s Century Celebration Caught Attention

Rohit’s celebration after reaching his hundred became another major talking point.

The veteran batter celebrated energetically after reaching the milestone, showing considerable emotion following his century.

Ashwin interpreted the celebration as a reflection of the significance of the innings and the expectations that had surrounded Rohit’s future in ODI cricket.

Ashwin Praises Rohit’s Mental Strength

While Ashwin questioned certain aspects of Rohit’s technique, he was highly appreciative of the batter’s overall performance.

Ashwin suggested that Rohit’s celebration showed how meaningful the century was to him after facing questions about whether he would continue playing long enough to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The former spinner described Rohit’s innings as exceptional and emphasized the significance of seeing an experienced player celebrate a milestone with the enthusiasm of a young cricketer.

Rohit and the 2027 World Cup Question

Rohit’s future in ODI cricket has been a subject of discussion because of his age and the long-term planning surrounding the 2027 World Cup.

At 39, every major performance naturally attracts additional attention regarding how long he can continue at the international level.

His century against West Indies, however, provides another example of his ability to make a significant contribution in the format.

The final decision regarding selection for future tournaments will depend on team management, selectors and Rohit’s performances over time.

India Look to Complete the ODI Series

India will return to action for the third ODI against West Indies on Saturday, October 3, in New Chandigarh.

With India already securing another emphatic victory, attention will now turn toward the final match of the series.

Rohit will have another opportunity to continue his strong run, while West Indies will look to find ways to contain India’s powerful opening combination.

Rohit’s Century Shows Both Experience and Adaptability

The second ODI provided an interesting picture of Rohit’s current batting. His century demonstrated that he remains capable of producing destructive innings, while Ashwin’s technical observations highlighted areas that opposition bowlers could examine.

That combination makes the upcoming matches particularly interesting. Rohit has the experience to adapt his approach, and his performances will continue to be closely watched as India progresses toward its future ODI commitments.

Final Takeaway

Rohit Sharma’s 101 against West Indies was another landmark performance in his ODI career, helping India complete a record 406-run chase alongside Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 223.

However, R Ashwin believes Rohit is not yet batting at his absolute best, pointing specifically to his struggles against certain length deliveries around the stumps and his increased reliance on the pickup shot.

Despite those observations, Rohit’s numbers in the series remain impressive. His next opportunity will come in the third ODI on October 3, where he will look to build on his century and continue contributing to India’s campaign.