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Rohit Sharma’s incredible cricket journey is about to get another golden chapter. The former Indian captain is all set to achieve a major feat during the second ODI of the ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Lucknow on Wednesday (June 17).
This record is even more special as Rohit will surpass one of India’s greatest legends and former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid. Notably, Rohit Sharma, said to be a born leader, was run out by Rashid Khan on 16 off 16 balls in the rain-interrupted first ODI against Afghanistan in Dharamshala.
Rohit Sharma will overtake Rahul Dravid in 2nd IND vs AFG ODI
Currently, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid are ranked fourth in the list of India’s most capped international players. But with another match against Afghanistan on Wednesday, Rohit will become the fourth most capped Indian player, taking Dravid to fifth.
The experienced opening batsman is now playing only ODI cricket after retiring from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025. Nevertheless, Rohit Sharma continues to add milestones to his already illustrious career and valuable assets for India in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The Indian opening batsman made his ODI debut against Ireland in June 2007, but Rohit failed to make the Indian squad for the 2011 ODI World Cup. However, this setback could not stop him from becoming one of the most successful opening batsmen of all time in the 50-over game.
Sachin Tendulkar remains on top
Well, MS Dhoni’s decision to promote Rohit to the top in white-ball cricket in 2013 completely changed his career and made him one of the most dangerous opening batsmen in the game. Rohit has played 283 ODI matches for the Men in Blue so far.
Rahul Dravid, on the other hand, represented India in 164 Tests, 344 ODIs and one T20I before retiring from the game in 2012. Currently, Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest batsmen of all time in Test and ODI, leads the charts as the most capped Indian player.
The Master Blaster played a record 664 international matches during his illustrious career. Virat Kohli is at the second position with 559 matches and is active only in ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20Is. MS Dhoni is third in the list with 538 international appearances for the country.
Graeme Swann says the search for the next Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will never stop
Meanwhile, former England spinner Graeme Swann believes that no matter how well stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli perform, people will always look for the next big talent.
With India set to tour England in July after the Afghanistan ODI series, Swann feels the spotlight will increase on Rohit and Kohli as the young players continue to impress. He believes that even the slightest dip in form could reignite the debate about his successors, especially after teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s incredible IPL 2026 season.
“I think it’s inevitable for any player that when you get into the latter stages of your career, the second half of your career if you like, people naturally start looking for your successor, no matter how well you perform. And even if you are at the top of your game, they are still looking, “Who will be the next Virat?” Who will be the next Rohit when he leaves? It’s very natural,” Swann told PTI in a video.
He further added, “And as soon as you have one or two low scores, everyone starts looking over your shoulder to see who is next in line. And obviously, with Suryavanshi coming in and some of the youngsters, it puts even more responsibility on people, especially in India’s top order.”