Rohit Sharma creates history, becomes first captain to win 100 international matches

India began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on a strong note with a commanding six-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing a modest target of 229 on a sluggish pitch, India comfortably sealed the win, thanks to an attacking 41 off 36 balls by Rohit Sharma and a stunning unbeaten 101 by Shubman Gill. While the victory gave India a perfect start in the tournament, it also marked a historic milestone for Rohit Sharma, who became the first captain in the world to register 100 international wins after turning 30.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Although he first captained India in 2017, it wasn’t until 2021-22 that he took over as the full-time all-format skipper. His tenure has seen India reach the final of both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship (WTC), though both campaigns ended in heartbreak. However, redemption arrived in 2024 when he led India to a T20 World Cup triumph, ending the country’s long wait for an ICC title.

With this latest victory, Rohit now shares an elite record with former Australian great Ricky Ponting. Both captains achieved their 100th international win while maintaining a win percentage of over 70. However, what sets Rohit apart is that he took over the leadership role after the age of 30, whereas Ponting was appointed captain at 28. This makes Rohit Sharma the only captain in history to achieve this milestone entirely after crossing 30.

In total, Rohit has led India in 138 matches, securing 100 victories, while suffering 33 defeats. Three games have ended in a draw, and one resulted in a tie. His win distribution includes 12 in Tests, 38 in ODIs, and 50 in T20Is, proving his dominance across formats. His leadership has been characterized by an aggressive yet composed approach, guiding India to some of its most significant wins in recent years.

Rohit’s achievement is even more significant considering the modern-day demands of captaincy, which require balancing performance with extensive workload management. His tactical acumen, ability to handle pressure, and consistency in delivering results have made him one of the most successful captains in international cricket. His success rate of over 70% underscores his effectiveness as a leader, making him a pivotal figure in Indian cricket’s recent dominance.