New Delhi: India veteran Rohit Sharma is poised to etch his name into the record books in the first ODI against Afghanistan at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, which is set to be played on Saturday (June 13).
At 39 years and 44 days old, the Hitman will surpass Mohinder Amarnath’s long-standing record to become the oldest Indian player to feature in an ODI match.
Breaking a Long-Standing Record
Mohinder Amarnath held the distinction as India’s oldest ODI player at 39 years and 36 days, a mark set back in 1989. Rohit will overtake him by eight days when he takes the field on Saturday.
Rohit Sharma is running deep into his international career, which has already seen him amass over 11,000 runs in ODIs and more than 20,000 runs across all formats.
Rohit’s journey has been one of reinvention, from a middle-order talent to a prolific opener and successful World Cup-winning captain. Even at 39, he continues to defy age, recently becoming the oldest Indian to top the ICC ODI batting rankings.
The Afghanistan series serves as vital preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With Virat Kohli sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the squad blends experience with youth. Promising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and potential debutants add depth, while veterans like KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav provide balance.
Rohit had an injury scare during the IPL 2026 season but is fit to play and open the innings. The former India captain is tipped to play a central part for India in the 50-over format, especially with the ODI World Cup next year.
