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Watch: Rohit Sharma shows early glimpse of class at the 2006 U19 World Cup

Rohit U19 World Cup
by Wisden Staff 2 minute read

Rohit Sharma displayed his class and his elegance way back in the 2006 U19 World Cup, where he scored three fifties in a row, including one against England in the semi-final.

One of the classiest batsmen in international cricket, Rohit Sharma’s temperament and technical strength have made him a match-winner for India, especially in white-ball formats. Though the batsman did not have the best start to his international career, he always had the skills to dominate.

The Indian opener proved his mettle during the U19 World Cup back in 2006, when he ended the edition with 205 runs from 6 innings, including three successive fifties, becoming the first Indian to achieve the feat. In a team that also featured Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit stood out for his elegance, which was all too evident during his knock of 59 off 72 deliveries in the U19 semi-final against England in Sri Lanka.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Indians piled on 72 for the first wicket, with Gaurav Dhiman being dismissed for 48 off 44. Rohit then combined with Pujara as the duo stitched together 112 runs for the second wicket to help India near the 200-run mark.

Rohit looked in excellent touch during his stay at the crease as he swept with ease and put away any loose ones. He looked comfortable even against deliveries above 135kph, middling them to perfection. The batsman looked in control throughout, found the gaps constantly, and got his fifty with a huge six over mid-wicket. His innings was defined by excellent use of the feet but he was unlucky to be run out just after crossing his fifty.

India, though, were in a strong position by then and went on to score 292-4, with Pujara scoring an unbeaten 129. The side advanced to the finals where they met Pakistan but failed to defeat the arch-rivals in the summit clash.

Watch Rohit Sharma’s third successive fifty in the U19 World Cup in 2006 here:

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