The previous time Virat Kohli was run out for a duck, Rohit Sharma went on to get his maiden ODI century. More than three years later, Rohit ran Virat Kohli out for a duck, and went on to get a sensational maiden double-century, becoming only the third batsman to score a double-century in ODIs. All three are Indians.
After the innings, Rohit could laugh the run-out off. "It happens," he said. "It's a part and parcel of the game. No hard feelings there. I am sure he is going to get a hundred in the next game."
Rohit said this was "probably" the best he has ever played. "Getting a 200 in ODIs is a wonderful feeling," he said. "When I went out to bat, I never thought I'd get a 200. The idea was to stay on the wicket. We know it is a small ground, runs are easy to come by once you are in. I just wanted to stay in and capitalise later."
Along the way, Rohit broke Shane Watson's record for the most sixes in an innings, hitting 16 of them, going from 100 to 200 in 42 balls. "Yeah, it's coming off really well," Rohit said. "I am in a good nick. Just wanted to carry on from the last game. Disappointed to not get a hundred in the last game, but I wanted to make sure that once I got my eye in I play big. As you play, records will happen. I just want my team to win. It will be a wonderful feeling then."
Moving up to open the ODI innings for India has been a turning point for Rohit, and he has been insisting all this is just the beginning. He repeated the sentiment here. "Again, it's really coming off well since Champions Trophy," he said. "I want to keep the momentum going and carry on the good work."
George Bailey, the Australia captain, said Rohit could be one of the contenders for the No. 4 spot in the Indian Test team, after Sachin Tendulkar's retirement.
"It was an extraordinary innings. He has had a wonderful series," Bailey said. "He is obviously flourishing at the top of the order. He would certainly be one who is in the mix for that spot that will open up after the great man (Sachin Tendulkar) departs in a couple of Tests."
The ODI rules, specially those related to the use of two new balls and fielding restrictions, were criticised by a few Indian players, with MS Dhoni saying that the game was now a contest of "which side could bowl less badly". However, Bailey said that the same conditions could have different results in Australia or South Africa.
"You won't get wickets like this in Australia and South Africa," Bailey said. "It does depend a little bit on conditions and then when you get those conditions in Australia, may be the two new balls play a part and the team might be 3-30, and you have got to find a way to get to 250. It is different everywhere. It is just a matter of striking the balance. I don't mind the odd games like this."