"I felt he would score a century this time" - Former India opener lauds Rohit Sharma's knock in IND vs SA 2025 3rd ODI

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has lauded Rohit Sharma for controlling the Men in Blue's chase in the third ODI against South Africa. He noted that the former India captain seemed headed for a century before he was dismissed caught at deep square leg off Keshav Maharaj's bowling for a 73-ball 75.

India bowled South Africa out for 270 after KL Rahul asked them to bat first in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6. Rohit's half-century, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal's unbeaten 116 and Virat Kohli's unbeaten 65, then helped the Men in Blue achieve the target with nine wickets and 10.1 overs to spare.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, 'Aakash Chopra,' the former India batter praised Rohit for pacing his innings perfectly before losing his wicket when he was almost certain to score a century.

"It doesn't seem like the guy is slowing down. Of course, he is fitter, slimmer, meaner, and more into it at this point in time, but the way he batted, he looked in complete control. Till the time he played, it seemed like he was driving the game," Chopra said. (12:30)

"It seemed like he would take us to the target without too much of a fuss. Rohit Sharma is in that kind of form. I felt he would score a century this time. He got out on 75. I felt Rohit's hundred was certain this time. I was itching. I had said that Rohit's hundred was pending," he added.

Rohit Sharma struck seven fours and three sixes during his 75-run knock. He added 155 runs for the opening wicket with Yashasvi Jaiswal to lay the platform for India's chase.

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"He is batting with a different approach since Shubman Gill has become the captain" - Parthiv Patel on Rohit Sharma's performance in IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Rohit Sharma scored a century and a half-century in the preceding ODI series against Australia. [P/C: Getty]

Reflecting on Rohit Sharma's performance in the ODI series against South Africa, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel noted that the opener has changed his approach since Shubman Gill took over as the captain.

"Rohit Sharma started this series from where he left off on the Australia tour. You saw a half-century in the first match, and then you saw another half-century in the third match, and he is batting with a different approach since Shubman Gill has become the captain," he said on Star Sports.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that Rohit has been more consistent lately because he has returned to his old tried-and-tested formula.

"The vintage Rohit is being seen. He takes a little time, and then he goes towards a big knock. You saw that kind of approach again. I feel that when Rohit bats with this approach, you see a lot of calm, and you feel the old Rohit has returned. That's why you are seeing greater consistency," Parthiv observed.

Rohit Sharma aggregated 146 runs at an average of 48.67 in the three ODIs against South Africa. Apart from his 75-run knock in the final ODI, he scored another half-century (57 off 51) in India's 17-run win in the series opener in Ranchi.