As Rohit Sharma and his Indian Cricket Team prepare for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, it’s interesting to look back at his first T20 International (T20I) innings in each country.
In Australia
In Australia, Rohit Sharma played his first T20I in 2008 at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne. It was a memorable occasion with a packed stadium filled with enthusiastic fans. Facing a formidable Australian team, Rohit managed to score 8 runs off 8 balls, including one four. Although it was a brief innings, it marked the beginning of his T20I journey in Australia.
In Bangladesh
Rohit’s first T20I match in Bangladesh took place on March 21, 2014, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014. India played against Pakistan in a crucial group stage game. Rohit showcased his skills by scoring 24 runs off 21 balls, hitting one four and two sixes. His performance contributed to India’s victory by 7 wickets, setting a positive tone for the tournament.
In England
In England, Rohit played his first T20I in 2009 during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. India’s first match of the tournament was against Bangladesh in a Group A game. Rohit made a significant impact by scoring 36 runs off 23 balls, including three fours and two sixes. His innings helped India establish a strong position in the match, though the specific game result isn’t mentioned.
In India
On December 9, 2009, Rohit Sharma played his first T20I match on home soil in India. The match was against Sri Lanka, and it was a significant moment for him to play in front of the home crowd. However, it was a challenging game for Rohit as he scored only 3 runs off 4 balls. Unfortunately, India lost the match to Sri Lanka by 29 runs.
In New Zealand
Rohit’s first T20I innings in New Zealand came on February 25, 2009, at Christchurch. Facing the New Zealand team on their home turf, Rohit scored 7 runs off 7 balls. Despite his efforts, New Zealand emerged victorious, winning the match by 7 wickets.
In South Africa
In South Africa, Rohit’s debut T20I innings was on September 20, 2007, in Durban. This match was part of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20. Rohit played a remarkable innings, scoring 50 runs off 40 balls against the South African team. His performance was instrumental in India’s victory by 37 runs, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
In Sri Lanka
Rohit played his first T20I in Sri Lanka at Colombo, where he scored 4 runs off 11 balls against the Sri Lankan team. Despite his low score, India managed to win the game by 3 wickets, highlighting the team’s collective effort.
In West Indies
Rohit’s introduction to Caribbean cricket came during the T20 World Cup in 2010. He played against Australia in a Group F game at Bridgetown. Rohit delivered an outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 79 runs off 46 balls, which included four fours and six sixes. However, despite his brilliant innings, Australia won the match by 49 runs, demonstrating the competitive nature of the game.
In USA
Rohit Sharma is no stranger to playing cricket in the USA. He had the opportunity to showcase his skills on American soil back in 2016 when he played at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. That match was significant as it marked one of the few occasions where international cricket was played in the United States, and Rohit was a part of it.
| Country | Year | Opponent | Runs Scored | Result |
| Australia | 2008 | Australia | 8 | Australia won |
| Bangladesh | 2014 | Pakistan | 24 | India won by 7 wickets |
| England | 2009 | Bangladesh | 36 | No result mentioned |
| India | 2009 | Sri Lanka | 3 | Sri Lanka won by 29 runs |
| New Zealand | 2009 | New Zealand | 7 | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
| South Africa | 2007 | South Africa | 50 | India won by 37 runs |
| Sri Lanka | 2009 | Sri Lanka | 4 | India won by 3 wickets |
| West Indies | 2010 | Australia | 79* | Australia won by 49 runs |
This year, Rohit is set to play at a new venue in the USA, the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. It will be his first experience playing at this stadium. The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium is a recent addition to the cricketing infrastructure in the USA, and it represents a new chapter for cricket in the country. Rohit’s presence at this stadium will be a significant moment, as he brings his experience and star power to this emerging cricket venue.
Rohit would be eyeing a big innings as he plays he first game in New York in the coming week against bangladesh.
Discussing the newly-built stadium in New York, the Indian captain expressed his excitement: “It looks beautiful. It’s quite an open ground. When we come here and play our first game, I just can’t wait to feel the atmosphere in the stadium,” he said.
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As Rohit Sharma enters the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York will he go all guns blazing and score big or will the trend of average first knocks continue.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
