An opportunity for Rohit Sharma to match MS Dhoni’s unique captaincy record

Rohit Sharma is currently assigned the role of India’s stand-in skipper and he has proficiently lived up to expectations on the responsibility. The start wasn’t an auspicious one for Rohit as India faltered big time at Dharamsala and slumped to a seven-wicket defeat. The Mumbai batsman, himself, got out cheaply after which India hardly posed a threat to the might of the Lankan team.

However, the tables turned for Rohit and India from the second game onwards. India on the back of Rohit’s awe-inspiring double century, racked up a massive score, which eventually turned out to be insurmountable for the Sri Lankan batsmen. Meanwhile, Rohit became the first cricketer to notch three double tons in ODI cricket, which is a stupendous feat in itself.

Recently, he also recorded the joint-fastest century in T20 Internationals off 35 balls, equalling David Miller’s ton against Bangladesh. Going into the third and final game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Rohit Sharma stands on the verge of equalling yet another record – this time of MS Dhoni, the former Indian skipper.

The unique record in line for Sharma

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the only Indian skipper to register a T20I series whitewash against an opposition. He achieved the feat in January 2016 when India rolled over Australia at Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney to register a 3-0 victory. After a year and eleven months, Rohit Sharma has the opportunity to equal the record as the skipper.

India have comprehensively beaten Sri Lanka at Cuttack and Indore and will be looking to thrash the Lankans in Mumbai. Virat Kohli has been named Indian skipper for the tour of South Africa which doesn’t spring a surprise. However, Rohit’s prowess as a leader can’t be dismissed either. Meanwhile, he will be looking to end his short stint as Indian skipper on a high.