The cricket world is buzzing once again with exciting news. Fans who follow every match will be thrilled to know that a new ODI and Test series between India and Australia has officially begun. According to reports, the two nations will play a total of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Test matches.
Today marks the start of the first ODI match between India and Australia, and the game has already become the talk of the town for several reasons. One of the biggest highlights is the performance and personal milestone of Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
Rohit Sharma Plays His 500th International Match
Today’s game is not just any other match for Rohit Sharma — it is his 500th international match. The Indian skipper has etched his name into record books by achieving this rare milestone. Even though he scored just 8 runs in this match, he managed to create history by joining an elite group of cricketers who have played 500 or more international games.
Fans across the country are proudly celebrating Rohit Sharma’s career as he continues to be one of India’s most loved and successful players. His consistency and leadership over the years have made him a fan favorite both at home and overseas.
Match Overview: From the Toss to the First Innings
The first ODI between India and Australia is being played at the iconic Perth Stadium. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and decided that his team would bowl first. India, therefore, came in to bat under bright and clear conditions.
As the Indian team stepped onto the pitch, all eyes were on Rohit Sharma. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric when he walked out to bat, with fans cheering loudly to honor his 500th match appearance. Every boundary he hit and every move he made was met with thunderous applause.
Rohit Sharma Joins the Elite 500-Match Club
Rohit Sharma has now become the 11th player in the world to play 500 international matches. At the age of 38 years and 171 days, he reached this milestone.
Before him, another Indian cricket legend, Rahul Dravid, had achieved the same milestone at the age of 38 years and 241 days. Meanwhile, the youngest player ever to reach 500 international matches was Sachin Tendulkar, who did it at the age of just 33 years and 137 days.
This list of players includes some of cricket’s all-time greats:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 33 years, 137 days
- Mahela Jayawardene – 34 years, 71 days
- Virat Kohli – 34 years, 257 days
- Shahid Afridi – 35 years, 6 days
- Ricky Ponting – 35 years, 74 days
- Kumar Sangakkara – 35 years, 152 days
- Jacques Kallis – 36 years, 350 days
- MS Dhoni – 36 years, 364 days
- Sanath Jayasuriya – 37 years, 322 days
- Rahul Dravid – 38 years, 241 days
- Rohit Sharma – 38 years, 171 days
With this record, Rohit finds himself in the company of some of the greatest players in cricket history.
What’s Next for Rohit Sharma?
As Rohit Sharma continues to add new chapters to his career, fans and pundits are already wondering about his future — especially whether he will play in the 2027 ICC World Cup. Given his fitness, form, and leadership skills, discussions around his participation in the next World Cup have already begun.
The current series still has two more ODI matches left between India and Australia. Cricket lovers are waiting eagerly to see how Rohit performs in the remaining games. His experience and composure at the crease have always boosted India’s chances, and supporters are hoping to witness more memorable innings from their captain.
For now, Rohit Sharma’s 500th match will remain a proud moment for Indian cricket — a milestone that reflects years of dedication, determination, and love for the game.