Rohit Sharma 500th international match – historic milestone as India vs Australia ODI stars collide

PERTH, Australia (Star Struck Times) — Veteran Indian batting maestro Rohit Sharma stepped onto the field at the Optus Stadium on October 19, 2025, for the first ODI against Australia national cricket team — marking his 500th international appearance across formats, a landmark no Indian had achieved before him (barring the four legendary predecessors). According to reports, he becomes just the fifth Indian and 11th player globally to reach the 500-match milestone.

Sharma’s inclusion in the playing XI spotlighted a career stretching back to his debut in June 2007 in Ireland, and reflected over 18 years of service to the Indian team across ODIs, T20Is and Tests. On the day, despite the gravity of the occasion, he was dismissed cheaply for 8 runs by Josh Hazlewood.

The match also drew attention because the Indian veterans — Sharma and Virat Kohli — returned to the fold for the Australia series. It was a high-stakes encounter in a series that forms part of India’s push for dominance in the 50-over format. Australia won the toss and opted to field in a rain-interrupted contest, reducing the innings to 26 overs per side.

From the outset, the atmosphere was charged. Sharma warmed up alongside Kohli during pre-match drills in Sydney, a video of the duo going viral on social media adding to the hype. As the ground announcer revealed Sharma’s 500-match milestone, the crowd responded with applause — a recognition of his enduring presence in world cricket.

“It’s an honour and a huge moment for me,” Sharma said in the dressing-room earlier, visibly aware of the weight of the occasion. While brief, his participation reflected discipline and longevity in an era of rapid turnover. Analysts noted that while 500 appearances tell one story, the consistency and fitness required to remain in the squad this long tell a deeper one.

But the tone of celebration carried a hint of realism. The match itself offered little reward for Sharma’s personal landmark. India faltered early — Sharma’s wicket came at a fragile 25-3, with Kohli falling for a duck and captain Shubman Gill managing just 10. One fan told reporters after the dismissal: “We came to see the Hitman, but hope for a big knock — tonight was just a reminder that form can desert even the great.”

The reaction among cricket fans and pundits was a mixture of respect and critique. On one hand, the milestone was hailed as a testament to Sharma’s durability and adaptation across formats — and in an era when careers are increasingly fragmented. On the other, some questioned whether the moment should perhaps have been celebrated with a more forceful performance. One commentator described it as “a milestone overshadowed by the scoreboard”.

India’s head coach emphasised the bigger picture. “Rohit has been a backbone of this team for nearly two decades,” the coach said. “Today is about his journey, his contribution. The scoreboard will come — what matters is the platform he’s given to this team.”

For the freshly-appointed captain Shubman Gill, the milestone presented an opportunity for reflection and learning. “He has done it all, Rohit,” Gill said. “As a young captain, I’m studying his preparation, his work ethic. Today’s game may not go perfectly, but this is a moment to draw on.”

In the broader context, Sharma’s milestone underscores the changing landscape of international cricket. Reaching 500 matches today means navigating not only format changes but also bio-bubbles, league commitments and intense scheduling. Sharma’s inclusion in the list alongside Sachin Tendulkar, Kohli, MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid puts him in elite company.

As the series progresses in Australia, Sharma’s 500th appearance will likely be referenced repeatedly — as inspiration for younger players, as evidence of one player’s resilience, and as a benchmark for future longevity in the game. Whether he can translate the occasion into significant runs remains to be seen, but the fact remains: he has entered a rare club.

FAQs

Q: What exactly is the milestone?
A: Rohit Sharma played his 500th international match across formats for India during the first ODI against Australia in Perth on October 19, 2025.

Q: Who else has done this for India?
A: He is the fifth Indian to reach 500 matches, following Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid.

Q: Did he perform well in the match?
A: No. He was dismissed for 8 runs in the match.

Q: Why is this milestone significant?
A: Reaching 500 international appearances signals exceptional longevity and consistency, especially across formats, in an era of high turnover and fitness demands. It puts Sharma in an elite global category.

Q: Was this his last match or is he continuing?
A: There’s no indication that this is his last match; he is still active in the ODI setup and remains a key member of the Indian team.

Cricket fans: raise your gloves and catch the next game in the India-Australia series — keep an eye on each opportunity to witness history unfold again.