Top Five ODI Knocks By An Indian Batter Against Australia. The ODI rivalry between India and Australia is well-documented for producing some of the most thrilling games in cricket’s long and impressive history — fiery battles, nail-biting chases, and incredible centuries. From Sachin Tendulkar’s classical dominance to Rohit Sharma’s power-hitting era, Indian batters have excelled against one of the world’s most fearsome bowling attacks. This article will highlight five of the greatest ODI knocks played by Indians.
1️⃣ Rohit Sharma—209 (158 balls), Bengaluru, 2013
Rohit Sharma’s magnificent double century in Bengaluru is still the highest individual score by an Indian against Australia in ODIs. Against a full-strength Australian attack, Rohit Sharma unleashed a storm by smashing an incredible 209 off 158 balls, with 12 fours and a record 16 sixes – the most ever hit in the innings by an Indian.
The innings propelled India to a mammoth score of 383/6, which led to India sealing the seven-match series 3-2. This was Rohit’s first double hundred scored in ODIs, which began his scoring love affair. His strike rate was 132.2, and acceleration after a cautious start reflected maturity and mastery.
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2️⃣ Sachin Tendulkar—175 (141 balls), Hyderabad, 2009
Sachin Tendulkar’s 175 against Australia at Hyderabad is one of the more heartbreaking but memorable innings. In trying to chase 351 runs, Sachin kept India relevant with 175 runs off 141 balls, hitting 19 fours and 4 sixes. At age 36, the veteran genius made bowling from Lee, Johnson, and Watson look easy. Despite his artistry, India lost by 3 runs, and his knock was regarded as one of Sachin’s best ODI innings across the globe. He was consistently the bowler’s nemesis for years. Statistically, Tendulkar is still India’s leading run scorer in ODIs against Australia, amassing 3,077 runs in 71 innings at an average of 44.59, scoring 9 centuries.
3️⃣ Virat Kohli – 100 (52 balls), Jaipur, 2013*
If Sachin was at the height of his powers in the 90s and 2000s, then Kohli’s fresh approach exemplified India’s fearless modern era. In Jaipur, chasing 360, Kohli scored the fastest century by an Indian in ODI cricket by getting to his hundred in 52 balls. He scored an unbeaten 100 runs in 52 balls with 8 fours and 7 sixes. He led India to break another record for most runs chased in an ODI innings alongside Rohit Sharma’s innings of 141*. Similarly, Kohli’s strike rate of 192.3 embodied impressive efficiency as India reached the target with 39 balls remaining.
Kohli’s overall ODI statistics against Australia are also impressive – 2367 runs at an average of 53.79, showing that he is consistent against the better opposition in all forms of the game and in all conditions.
4️⃣ Yuvraj Singh – 139 (122 balls), Sydney, 2004
Yuvraj Singh showcased the full range of class with his fierce counterattack in this innings, scored in Sydney; against an Australian pace attack led by Gillespie and Bracken, he produced a smooth yet aggressive century.
His score of 139 off 122 balls included 16 fours and 2 sixes. Partnership with VVS Laxman that buoyed India back to respectability in a match where they struggled early. While India ultimately lost the game, Yuvraj’s fearless stroke play in Sydney would go on to establish him as a significant big-match batsman.
The innings is generally remembered for its elegance. Yuvraj hit boundaries with ease on what is still regarded as a bouncy wicket. It was a perfect illustration of how an Indian middle-order bat could dominate on an Australian wicket.
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5️⃣ VVS Laxman – a pair of centuries, 103* & 106*, 2004 Series
Laxman remains more famously known for his Test performances, but his twin century performances during the 2004 VB Series are underrated examples of a batsman performing in Test match style but in ODIs. Scoring 103 in Brisbane* and then 107 in Sydney, both innings unbeaten and enough to keep India competitive in a challenging match against years of better-quality opposition in Australia.
What made those innings special were the circumstances concerning them—batting in the dark with the seam pushing the pitch around, Laxman played with grace and resolve, facing the likes of Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie with equanimity. He became one of a small number of Indian batters to hit back-to-back centuries in Australia, showing that adaptation and technique could neutralise pace and bounce.