Rohit Sharma: Most ODI Runs Against Australia

Introduction

Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most prolific cricketers, has enjoyed a glittering career filled with memorable performances against Australia across formats. From dominating in their own backyard to shining at home and excelling on neutral grounds, Rohit’s record against the Aussies exemplifies class, consistency, and composure. The following sections present an in-depth look at his achievements across Test, ODI, and T20I cricket (excluding the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, 2025).

Rohit Sharma’s Record in Australia

ODI Performances in Australia

Rohit Sharma has amassed 961 runs in 18 ODI matches on Australian soil, boasting an average of 53.38 and a strike rate of 91.9. His exploits include four centuries and two fifties, with a career-best of 171 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)* in January 2016. This innings stood as the highest score by a visiting batsman in Australia until Jason Roy’s 180 in 2018.
Rohit later became the first Indian batsman to cross 1,000 ODI runs against Australia in Australia, achieving 1,071 runs in 21 matches at an average of 56.36. His heroics during the 2019 tour included a spirited 133 at the SCG, though India narrowly missed victory. Notably, his 66-run stand in the 2008 Commonwealth Bank Series final alongside Sachin Tendulkar was pivotal in India’s title triumph.

T20I Record in Australia

In T20 Internationals played in Australia, Rohit has contributed 196 runs in 10 matches with a highest score of 60. His strike rate of 128.9 and two half-centuries highlight his ability to adapt to Australian conditions, even in the shortest format.

Test Record in Australia

Across seven Test matches, Rohit has compiled 408 runs at an average of 31.38, with a best score of 63 in the 2018–19 series*. Returning from injury in the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he opened the innings in the last two Tests, scoring 26, 52, 44, and 7 — underscoring his resilience and commitment. His aggregate of 441 runs during the 2016 ODI series remains the highest by any batsman in a bilateral India–Australia series.

Rohit Sharma’s Record Against Australia in India

ODI Dominance at Home

Rohit’s ODI numbers against Australia in India are staggering. In 44 matches, he has scored 2,488 runs at an average of 56.54 and a strike rate of 93.88, with eight centuries and eight half-centuries. These figures make him the third-highest Indian run-scorer against Australia, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar.
His 209 at Bengaluru in 2013 marked his first ODI double-century, a historic innings etched in cricketing folklore. Rohit also registered centuries at Nagpur (125 in 2017) and Bengaluru (119 in 2020), both match-winning efforts. Interestingly, six of his eight ODI hundreds against Australia came while chasing — a record for an Indian batsman.

T20I Contributions in India

In 22 T20I matches, Rohit has scored 392 runs at an average of 24.50 with three fifties. His highest score of 79 off 46 balls* came in the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup. His strike rate of 139.50 reflects his natural attacking flair and match awareness.

Test Appearances Against Australia in India

All of Rohit’s Test matches against Australia have been played on Australian soil; none have occurred in India so far.

Rohit Sharma’s Record at Neutral Venues

ICC Tournaments and Memorable Performances

Rohit’s record at neutral venues, particularly in ICC tournaments, showcases his ability to perform under global spotlight.
During the 2024 T20 World Cup at Gros Islet, he blazed 92 off 41 balls against Australia, smashing eight sixes and seven fours. His 19-ball fifty became the fastest ever by a batter against Australia in men’s T20Is and the quickest of his T20 career. The knock also saw him become the first player to hit 200 sixes in T20Is. India won by 24 runs, with Rohit deservedly earning the Player of the Match award.
Rohit’s T20 World Cup journey from 2007 to 2024 spans 47 matches, yielding 1,220 runs at an average of 34.85 and a strike rate of 133.04 — the second-highest aggregate after Virat Kohli.
From his early 50* against South Africa in 2007 to a match-winning 74 against Afghanistan in 2021, Rohit has consistently delivered in high-pressure ICC fixtures.

Notable ODI and T20I Encounters

In the 2015 World Cup semi-final at Sydney, Rohit scored 34 before falling to Mitchell Johnson as India succumbed to 233 in pursuit of 329. Earlier, during the 2012 Commonwealth Bank Series, he missed a century by just one run (99) in Hobart, steering India to victory.

Combined Career Statistics Against Australia

Across all formats, Rohit Sharma’s record against Australia remains one of the finest in modern cricket:

• ODIs: 2,488 runs in 44 matches, average 56.54, eight centuries, eight half-centuries.
• Tests: 408 runs in seven matches, average 31.38.
• T20Is: 392 runs in 22 matches, three fifties, strike rate 139.50.
  Rohit also holds the world record for the highest individual ODI score (264) and remains the first cricketer to smash 200 sixes in T20Is. As of August 2024, he became the most prolific six-hitter in international cricket, surpassing Eoin Morgan.
  He achieved another milestone by playing his 500th international match against Australia at Optus Stadium, Perth — joining an elite group of 11 players. Under his captaincy, India clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup, and he became the first captain to reach the final in all four major ICC tournaments, including the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Conclusion

Rohit Sharma’s record against Australia mirrors his evolution from a talented youngster to one of cricket’s greatest modern-day batsmen. Whether in the hostile conditions of Australia, the spin-friendly pitches of India, or the grand stages of ICC tournaments, Rohit’s brilliance continues to inspire generations and fortify his legacy in the sport’s history.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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