The highly anticipated return of Rohit Sharma to the Indian ODI squad this Sunday, October 19th, against Australia comes with the potential for a groundbreaking record. Sharma, stepping back onto the field after over seven months, will also mark his 500th international appearance. His immediate focus, however, will be on reaching the coveted 1000-run mark against Australia in their home territory, a feat that has eluded even the greatest Indian batsmen. Sharma is currently just 10 runs shy of this historic achievement, having amassed 990 runs in Australia across 19 innings, maintaining a stellar average of 58.23. This series sees him relinquish captaincy, with Shubman Gill taking the reins. Compatriot Virat Kohli trails behind, needing 198 runs to hit the 1000-run milestone in Australia. Should Sharma succeed, he will etch his name in the record books as the first Indian to achieve this specific batting accomplishment in Australia, while simultaneously joining the exclusive club of Indian cricketers with 500 international caps.
