Rohit Sharma's Century Leads India to Victory in 2nd ODI Against England, Sealing the Series

India won the second ODI of the series against England at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack in a memorable four-wicket victory. With the win, India sealed the three-match series with a game to spare, thanks to a match-winning century from captain Rohit Sharma.

England chose to bat first and managed a decent total of 304 all-out. The Indian bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja, who took 3 wickets for 35 runs, pegged back the English batsmen. Even the English batting side tried hard but Jadeja's tight spell did the trick in keeping the total down for India.

But it was the openers of India who were the stars of the day. Rohit Sharma roared back to form in style as he spearheaded India's chase of 305. Indian captain played an explosive knock of 119 runs off just 90 balls with 12 boundaries and 7 sixes. Rohit's century was his 32nd in ODI cricket, which makes him one of the most prolific Indian batsmen in the format. His 119-run innings overtook Rahul Dravid's record of 48 international centuries, thereby making him rank third in the list of Indian batters with most centuries, behind Virat Kohli (81) and Sachin Tendulkar (100).

Rohit's brilliant performance wasn't just about his century. During his innings, he surpassed Chris Gayle for the second spot in the list of players with the most sixes in ODIs, with a total of 332 sixes, just behind Shahid Afridi's record of 351. His ability to clear the ropes made him a constant threat, and his well-timed shots were a treat to watch.

India started off aggressively with a solid foundation created by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Gill significantly contributed with a fine half-century, scoring 60 runs off 52 balls. His brisk knock ensured India was well on track, and the required run rate was being kept in check. Gill's early assault set the tone with a delightful pull shot for a four.

The opening partnership was eventually broken when Shubman Gill fell, caught out to a slower delivery from Jamie Overton. This was not too big of an issue, as Rohit was still in his rhythm and looking solid at the other end with Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli, who was poor in the first ODI, was once again dismissed early, this time to a wonderful leg-spin ball from Adil Rashid. He was sent back for a mere 5 runs, with Axar Patel walking out next.

Rohit's century came in the 25th over when he hit Adil Rashid for a six, over long-off, to raise his hundred. As he stepped up to try and chase the target, he continued to showcase some excellent shots, which saw the required run rate not moving out of control. However, after reaching a hundred, there was an even more tragic fall. In a rare slip-up, he mis-timed a full toss from Liam Livingstone and gifted away a simple catch. The Indian captain fell for 119, leaving India with 90 runs to chase and 5 wickets in hand.

Ravindra Jadeja played a composed knock under pressure, and his key boundaries took India closer to victory, including an inside-out cover drive that sealed the win for India. Jadeja's role was crucial as he remained unbeaten on 31, finishing the match with a decisive boundary. Alongside him, Axar Patel provided vital support, and India reached their target with 5 balls to spare.

India clinched the game with some good partnerships, although it was basically their ability to chase under pressure and the exceptional form of captain Rohit that made the real difference. While the victory clinched the series for India, it also meant that Rohit Sharma, batting in the best form of his life, remains unbeaten with a century against Australia.

As India is set to enter the third ODI in Ahmedabad, their confidence will grow with the form of their skipper and also all-round batting by Jadeja and Axar Patel. In contrast, the England team must gather themselves together and come hard at the opponents in the last match of the series, with a lot of issues to settle in the remainder of the tour.