Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma appears in 250th ODI, becomes fifth Indian to feature in 450 international matches

Indian captain Rohit Sharma appeared in his 250th ODI when he stepped out in the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka on September 17 in Colombo. Rohit made his international debut in an ODI game against Ireland in June 2007 at the Civil Service Cricket Club. Since then, he has become one of the finest Indian cricketers in white-ball cricket and is also improving his stocks in red-ball cricket at the twilight stage of his career.

Meanwhile, the Asia Cup final is Rohit's 250th ODI appearance as well as his 450th international appearance. He is only the fifth Indian cricketer to play 450 international games. Rohit would want to make this memorable achievement all the more special by winning India a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title.

Rohit has been in fine form in the tournament despite having started with a disappointing performance against Pakistan, where he was dismissed for 11 off 22 balls. After this dismal outing, he roared back into form with three half-centuries on the bounce against Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

In an inconsequential match against Bangladesh in the Super Four, prior to the final, Rohit was dismissed for a duck. In five innings so far in this year's competition, Rohit has scored 194 runs in 180 balls at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 107.78. 

Rohit Sharma eyes second Asia Cup win as captain

If Rohit manages to win the title this year, it will be his second triumph in the tournament as a captain. The Mumbai batter was the skipper of the India side that took part in the 2018 edition of the Asia Cup. Virat Kohli, who was the Indian captain at that point, didn't play in the tournament and vice-captain Rohit was given the responsibility of leading the side.

Rohit was the second-highest run-getter in the campaign with 317 runs from five matches at a staggering average of 105.67. India won the 50-over tournament when they defeated Bangladesh in Dubai by three wickets in the final.