Indian Captains with 50+ Scores in ICC Finals – Rohit Sharma Joins Elite List

India's star skipper, Rohit Sharma, added yet another chapter to his illustrious career with a blistering start in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. The much-anticipated clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium saw the Kiwis set a competitive target of 251 after batting first. But India’s chase began with fireworks, thanks to Rohit’s attacking intent right from the very first ball.

Walking out to open the innings alongside Shubman Gill, Rohit wasted no time in stamping his authority. He announced his arrival in style, smashing a six off the very first delivery he faced—setting the tone for India’s chase. The skipper carried that momentum forward, reaching his half-century in just 41 balls. 

ROHIT SHARMA BECOMES 3RD INDIAN CAPTAIN TO SCORE FIFTY IN ICC FINAL #ChampionsTrophy2025 #ChampionsTrophyFinal #INDvsNZ #indvsnzfinal #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/oVdJXsh47N

— ScoreWaves (@ScoreWaves) March 9, 2025

With this 50, Rohit etched his name in an elite list of Indian ODI greats. His knock marked the 90th time he had crossed the 50-run mark in ODIs, making him only the fifth Indian batter to achieve this feat. His tally now stands at 58 fifties and 32 centuries, joining an exclusive club that includes some of India’s finest cricketers: 

• Sachin Tendulkar – 145 fifty-plus scores 
• Virat Kohli – 125 fifty-plus scores 
• Rahul Dravid – 94 fifty-plus scores 
• Sourav Ganguly – 93 fifty-plus scores 
• Rohit Sharma – 90 fifty-plus scores 

As if that wasn’t enough, Rohit added another major accomplishment to his resume. That first-over maximum also took his ODI run tally against New Zealand past 1000. This made him only the seventh Indian batter to achieve the milestone against the Black Caps, following in the footsteps of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammad Azharuddin, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, and Virat Kohli. 

In terms of all-time records, Tendulkar remains India’s highest run-scorer against New Zealand in ODIs, amassing 1,750 runs in 42 matches. Virat Kohli follows closely, having racked up 1,656 runs in just 32 matches. With this achievement, Rohit has further strengthened his legacy as one of India's premier ODI batters.  

With India chasing a tricky total in the final, Rohit’s aggressive start not only set the foundation but also showcased why he remains one of the most feared openers in world cricket. A true leader, a record-breaker, and a man for the big moments—Rohit Sharma continues to write his name in cricketing history.