The domestic 50-over competition suddenly felt like a high-stakes international fixture yesterday, and the reason was singular: Rohit Sharma. The former India captain, making his highly anticipated return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) after a seven-year gap, did not just score a century—he delivered a powerful, statement-making knock that ripped through the record books and thrilled a packed stadium.
Playing for Mumbai against Sikkim in their campaign opener at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Rohit blazed his way to a blistering 62-ball century. This remarkable feat is now his personal fastest in List A cricket, surpassing his 63-ball hundred against Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He didn’t stop there, remaining unbeaten with a monumental score of 155 off just 94 deliveries, ensuring Mumbai clinched the victory by eight wickets with nearly 20 overs to spare. The innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring 18 fours and 9 enormous sixes.
The Domestic Mandate and the 2027 World Cup Context
Rohit Sharma’s participation, alongside senior colleagues like Virat Kohli who also scored a century for Delhi on the same day, comes under the scanner of the BCCI’s directive to centrally contracted players to feature in domestic tournaments when available. For the 38-year-old, this VHT appearance was more than just match practice; it was a clear demonstration of form and fitness ahead of the upcoming New Zealand ODI series and, more importantly, a powerful answer to ongoing debates about his place in India’s long-term white-ball plans, particularly concerning the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The sheer domination of his innings—where he was responsible for almost 69% of the runs during his major partnerships—re-emphasizes his value as a match-winner in the 50-over format. Critics and observers who questioned his commitment or fitness for the next cycle have been thoroughly silenced by this vintage display of power hitting and impeccable timing.
Jaipur Crowd Roars, Sends a Message
The atmosphere in Jaipur was electric, resembling a carnival more than a domestic one-day match. Over 20,000 fans, benefiting from free entry, flocked to the stadium just to watch the ‘Hitman’ in action. The fan frenzy reached such a crescendo that one of the Sikkim players was even seen touching Rohit’s feet after the match in a heartfelt gesture of respect.
Crucially, the stadium was filled with chants that went beyond mere celebration. A section of the crowd was heard shouting, “Gambhir dekh raha hai na Rohit ka jalwa?” (Is Gambhir watching Rohit’s brilliance?), a pointed message directed at India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, amidst speculation of a possible strain in the relationship between the senior players and the new team management. The immense public support and the stunning batting performance together served as an undeniable reminder of Rohit’s superstar status and influence.
Record-Breaking Knock Highlights
The 155-run knock was not just fast; it was laden with significant statistical achievements:
- It was Rohit’s 37th List A century, showcasing his enduring consistency in the format.
- He equalled the record of Australian great David Warner for the joint-most 150-plus scores in List A cricket (nine each).
- It was his first 150-plus score in any List A game since 2019, signalling a major return to his ‘Daddy Hundred’ ability.
Mumbai’s chase of 237 was made to look elementary, completed in just 30.3 overs. The innings has instantly shifted the focus of the tournament, transforming it from a routine domestic event into a proving ground for the nation’s biggest stars.
FAQs on Rohit Sharma’s VHT Return
Q: What record did Rohit Sharma break in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match?
A: Rohit Sharma scored a century in just 62 balls, making it his fastest-ever List A century, surpassing his previous best of 63 balls against Afghanistan.
Q: What was Rohit Sharma’s final score in the match against Sikkim?
A: He remained unbeaten on 155 runs off 94 balls, helping Mumbai win the match by eight wickets.
Q: Why was the crowd presence significant in Jaipur for the match?
A: Over 20,000 fans attended the game, demonstrating immense public support for the former captain, with many chanting slogans directed at the team management, emphasizing his impact.
Disclaimer: This report is based on match events and confirmed details from the Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture played on December 24, 2025. All statistics and crowd observations are derived from contemporary news reports and official data.
