Twitter lauds Rohit Sharma as he notches up his 23rd ODI ton

India's first match in the ongoing World Cup has witnessed a special knock from Rohit Sharma. Chasing a modest target of 228, the Indians were put on the backfoot early after their opener Shikhar Dhawan was dismissed for just 8 runs. Skipper Virat too, couldn't account for much before falling prey to Andile Phehlukwayo for just 18 runs.

After the fall of Virat Kohli, the mantle of building the innings was taken completely by Rohit Sharma who, along with KL Rahul, steered India through a precarious phase. Batting with a matured head, the Indian opener anchored the innings as carried along to build a composed knock. The stylish player continued to guide the team despite losing KL Rahul in the middle and went on to bring up his 23rd ODI ton in the 41st over of the innings. Studded with 10 fours and 2 handsome sixes, the hundred came off 128 balls and assumed great significance in the context of the game.

The "hitman", as he's popularly called, has been drawing applause from several corners for his potentially match-winning effort. Here is what some of the fans had to say about Rohit Sharma's brilliant innings against South Africa on Wednesday:

Top century from Rohit Sharma. Composed, relaxed. Rode the early tension well and has been a picture of certainty since

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 5, 2019

Sterling century by Rohit. Held the innings together, blunting SA attack when it was at its most threatening

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 5, 2019

Wasn't easy to begin with....but he stuck it out. India's good fortunes are directly proportional to the form of Top 3. Rohit is an extremely important cog....well played 🙌🤗👏 #CWC19 #IndvSA

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 5, 2019

Well done @ImRo45 brilliant 100 #INDvsRSA World Cup 2019 @icc @StarSportsIndia 💪🏏🇮🇳

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 5, 2019

Not the first time that we have seen Rohit take up the mantle to win the game game on his own when Virat gets out early. India so fortunate to have such batsmen.👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏#INDvSA #ICCCWC2019

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 5, 2019

Slow & easy does it!!! Rohit sharma gracefully on his way to the century🤗❤️🇮🇳 waiting for that 100!!!! Dugga Dugga!!!!💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻😁

— sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) June 5, 2019

Rohit Sharma today:

- Completed 8,000 international runs as an opener for India
- Completed 12,000 international runs
- Hit his 23rd ODI ton - third most for India.#SAvIND

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) June 5, 2019

Rohit Sharma.

Member of Parliament. Mumbai South. 2024. #INDvSA

— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) June 5, 2019

Let your bat do the talking. This one by Rohit Sharma at the start of #TeamIndia campaign at #CWC19 is much needed, especially to shut up trolls who were waiting for an opportunity to target hitman and his fans. #IndvSA #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/Vu4wLLLsXh

— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) June 5, 2019

Indian seem to be comfortably placed in their pursuit of the target set by South Africa. With Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni well at the crease (as of the 43rd over), the Virat Kohli-led side look all set to get their World campaign rolling in style in Southampton.