How Rohit Sharma Became the First to Score 5 Centuries in One World Cup?

The summer of 2019 in England and Wales was a spectacle of cricketing excellence, but one name resonated with unparalleled consistency and record-breaking brilliance: Rohit Sharma. On July 6, 2019, at Headingley, Leeds, India's charismatic opener didn't just score another hundred; he etched his name into the annals of World Cup history. By reaching his fifth century of the tournament against Sri Lanka, Rohit Gurunath Sharma became the first batsman ever to achieve this monumental feat in a single edition of the prestigious quadrennial event.

This historic knock, his 27th in One Day Internationals, wasn't just a personal milestone; it powered India to an emphatic 7-wicket win in their final group game, setting a formidable tone as they headed into the semi-finals. The century saw him surpass Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, who had previously held the record with four centuries in the 2015 World Cup.

A Masterclass in Opening Batsmanship - Rohit Sharma Centuries

Rohit Sharma's 2019 World Cup campaign was nothing short of a masterclass in opening batsmanship. His journey to five centuries was a display of adaptability, power, and sublime timing, each hundred coming under different circumstances and against varied attacks.

122 vs South Africa (Southampton): Setting the Tone

India's campaign began against a formidable South African pace attack on a tricky Southampton wicket. Chasing a modest 228, the conditions weren't easy. Rohit, however, anchored the innings with a mature, unbeaten 122. It wasn't his most flamboyant knock, but it was a demonstration of his ability to assess conditions, absorb pressure, and guide the team home. This innings laid the foundation, signaling his intent and form for the tournament.

140 vs Pakistan (Manchester): The Big Stage Masterpiece

An India-Pakistan World Cup clash is arguably the most watched and high-pressure game in cricket. In front of a packed Old Trafford, Rohit Sharma delivered a scintillating 140 off just 113 balls. He dismantled the Pakistani bowling attack with an array of breathtaking strokes, including his trademark pull shots and elegant drives. This innings was a statement – a blend of aggression and control that left the opposition hapless and delighted millions of fans.

102 vs England (Birmingham): A Valiant Effort

Against the host nation and eventual champions, India faced a daunting target of 338. While India fell short, Rohit Sharma stood tall. His 102 was a testament to his fighting spirit. He took on a potent English attack, keeping India in the hunt for a significant portion of the chase. Though it ended in a loss, this century highlighted his ability to score runs against the best, even when the odds were stacked against his team.

104 vs Bangladesh (Birmingham): Sealing the Semi-Final Spot

Returning to Edgbaston, Rohit delivered another clinical performance. His 104 against Bangladesh was crucial in securing India's place in the semi-finals. He built a strong opening partnership with KL Rahul, playing with characteristic ease and punishing any loose deliveries. This was his fourth century of the tournament, equalling Sangakkara's record and putting him on the cusp of history.

103 vs Sri Lanka (Leeds): The Record-Breaking Knock

The stage was set at Leeds. With India already through to the semi-finals, the pressure was perhaps slightly less, but history beckoned. Chasing 265, Rohit Sharma looked in sublime touch from the outset. He played with freedom and elegance, dispatching the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground. His innings of 103 off 94 balls was laced with 14 fours and two sixes. When he reached the three-figure mark, it was his third successive hundred, an incredible feat in itself. More significantly, it was his fifth in the 2019 World Cup, a new world record. His partnership with KL Rahul, who also scored a century, made the chase look effortless. Rohit was deservedly named Player of the Match for this historic performance.

Impact Beyond the Centuries

Rohit's five centuries were the headline acts, but his overall contribution in the 2019 World Cup was staggering. He finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer, amassing 648 runs at an astonishing average of 81.00. Apart from his tons, he also played a crucial knock of 57 against Australia.

This prolific run-scoring spree also saw him achieve other significant milestones. His century against Sri Lanka was his 6th in World Cup history, placing him joint-most with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. During the course of that innings, he also became only the second Indian batsman after Tendulkar (673 runs in 2003) to score over 600 runs in a single World Cup edition. Matthew Hayden (659 runs in 2007) is the only other batsman to have scored more runs than Rohit in one World Cup.

Several factors contributed to Rohit Sharma's phenomenal success:

• Impeccable Temperament: He showed remarkable calmness and composure, whether setting a target or chasing one.
• Converting Starts: One of Rohit's hallmarks has been his ability to convert good starts into substantial scores, and he did this with ruthless efficiency throughout the tournament.
• Adaptability: He adjusted his game beautifully to the English conditions, which can often be challenging for opening batsmen.
• Supreme Confidence: Riding a wave of excellent form, Rohit played with an aura of invincibility. He trusted his technique and his ability to dominate any bowling attack.
• The "Daddy Hundreds" Mentality: Rohit is known for his appetite for big hundreds, and in this World Cup, he consistently delivered, ensuring his centuries made a significant impact on the game's outcome (India won four of the five matches where he scored a century).

While India's campaign ended in a heartbreaking semi-final defeat to New Zealand, Rohit’s individual exploits in the 2019 World Cup remain an enduring legacy.