Ranking all double hundreds in ODI cricket

Double centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs) cricket have become quite common over the years and it clearly states the evolving mindset of the batters of the modern era. There have always been rewards for risks and the batters are happy to take the risky option which has given them the chance to break some records. Not many in the past would have predicted double centuries by individuals to become a common factor in ODI cricket.  

It is important to make use of every opportunity that comes the way of the players with the competitiveness involved in the game. A double century in ODIs is a huge statement as it does take a lot of consistent ball striking and depends on a lot of factors including the dimensions of the ground and the type of pitch on offer.  

Also, players are known to get carried away after scoring a century, and hence scaling double centuries requires an immense level of mental strength. With all that said, it is time to rank all the double hundreds scored in ODI cricket so far based on factors like opposition, the magnitude of the occasion among others.

9. Rohit Sharma 208* vs Sri Lanka

After losing the first ODI to Sri Lanka at Dharamsala on December 10, 2017, the Men in Blue needed a dominating performance in Mohali (in the second ODI) and skipper Rohit led from the front with a mind-blowing knock.  

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit put on a 115-run stand for the first wicket and gave the impetus to the innings up front. Rohit paired up with Shreyas Iyer for the second-wicket and added 213 runs for the same. Rohit never looked like making a double hundred until he started to unleash his full power at the back end of the innings. 

The right-hander brought up his double ton in 151 balls and the Mohali stadium erupted to acknowledge the magnificent moment. No other cricketer has scored more than one ODI double-century and Rohit scored his third that day. He finished unbeaten on 208 off 153 balls with 12 sixes and 13 fours against a clueless Sri Lankan bowling attack.