Kolkata, Nov 14 (PTI) He is the first batsman to notch up two double hundreds in ODI cricket but Rohit Sharma says he has a lot more to achieve in the game as expectations and responsibilities are only going to increase as he progresses in his career.
Rohit scored a world record 264 in India’s 153-run win against Sri Lanka. That not only made him the top run-getter in an innings in ODIs but also the first to fetch two double hundreds in the 50-over format, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.
“I still have a lot more to do. When I was young and wanted to play International cricket, I never thought this would happen,” Rohit told reporters when asked about his breathtaking innings.
“All the records happen along the way. I probably need to work harder and from here on the expectation would be more. I feel I have a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders,” said the Indian.
Rohit, who played his first international game last night after an injury lay-off, had struggled against pace bowling in South Africa. He said failures of the past cannot stop his progress.
“You have to accept the failure and success and keep moving on. That’s what I’ve done. A couple of overseas failures will not stop my cricket. My cricket and my hard work will still remain on the track. I will keep working hard as ever.”
Rohit started his record-breaking innings slowly as he conceded a maiden to Angelo Mathews before stepping on the gas. The Indian opener gave credit to his partner Ajinkya Rahane for his quickfire 24-ball 28 that took pressure off him.
Admitting that he struggled in the beginning, Rohit said: “Playing after two months from an injury layoff, I was feeling little out of place, I should accept that. The strikebreaking was not happening as naturally as it used to be. I wanted to get stuck in the middle that required a lot of dedication and determination. I had to build the innings. Initial 10-15 overs was not easy.
“I kept telling myself, no matter what, I need to stay there. Luckily the quickfire innings by Rahane really helped me settle down. I needed to stay there because I knew I could make up any time. I just wanted to make it count. I wanted to make this game special one for me and the team. Getting two double hundreds was really special.” PTI TAP BS PM