Rohit Sharma has played several important ODI innings against South Africa across different phases of his career. While his early numbers were modest, he improved significantly with experience and produced a few memorable knocks, including a stunning 150 in 2015.
From explosive starts to fighting knocks in ICC events, Rohit’s ODI journey vs South Africa shows growth, consistency, and leadership.
Rohit Sharma vs South Africa (ODI) Records
The table below shows every innings Rohit played vs South Africa, in order:
Rohit Sharma – Complete ODI Timeline vs South Africa
| Match Date | Venue | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Civil Service Cricket Club | 8 | 9 | 88.89 |
| Feb 2010 | Ahmedabad | 48 | 61 | 78.69 |
| Jan 2011 | Kingsmead | 11 | 27 | 40.74 |
| Jan 2011 | Wanderers | 9 | 14 | 64.29 |
| Jan 2011 | Newlands | 23 | 45 | 51.11 |
| Jan 2011 | St George’s Park | 1 | 6 | 16.67 |
| Jan 2011 | SuperSport Park | 5 | 8 | 62.50 |
| June 2013 | Cardiff | 65 | 81 | 80.25 |
| Dec 2013 | Wanderers | 18 | 43 | 41.86 |
| Dec 2013 | Kingsmead | 19 | 26 | 73.08 |
| Feb 2015 | MCG (World Cup) | 0 | 6 | 0.00 |
| Oct 2015 | Kanpur | 150 | 133 | 112.78 |
| Oct 2015 | Indore | 3 | 10 | 30.00 |
| Oct 2015 | Rajkot | 65 | 74 | 87.84 |
| Oct 2015 | Chennai | 21 | 19 | 110.53 |
| Oct 2015 | Wankhede | 16 | 20 | 80.00 |
| June 2017 | Oval | 12 | 20 | 60.00 |
| Feb 2018 | Durban | 20 | 30 | 66.67 |
| Feb 2018 | Centurion | 15 | 17 | 88.24 |
| Feb 2018 | Newlands | 0 | 6 | 0.00 |
| Feb 2018 | Wanderers | 5 | 13 | 38.46 |
| Feb 2018 | Port Elizabeth | 115 | 126 | 91.27 |
| Feb 2018 | Centurion | 15 | 13 | 115.38 |
| June 2019 | The Rose Bowl | 122* | 144 | 84.72 |
| Nov 2023 | Eden Gardens | 40 | 24 | 166.67 |
Rohit Sharma vs South Africa – Key ODI Stats
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Innings (ODIs) | 25 |
| Best Score | 150 (133) at Kanpur, 2015 |
| Other 100s | 115 (PE, 2018), 122* (WC 2019) |
| Batting Positions Used | 1, 2, 4, 7 |
| Strike Rate (Overall) | Improved massively over time |
| Most Memorable Innings | 150 (2015), 115 (2018), 122* (2019 WC) |
Read more: Rohit Sharma Captaincy Record
Rohit Sharma’s Top ODI Knocks vs South Africa
1. 150 off 133 – Kanpur, 2015
Rohit’s best ODI score vs SA. Blended timing and power beautifully.
2. 115 off 126 – Port Elizabeth, 2018
A classy innings under pressure, helping India clinch the series.
3. 122 off 144 – World Cup 2019*
A responsible knock in English conditions, showcasing maturity.
4. 65 off 81 – Cardiff, 2013
One of his early stabilizing ODI innings as an opener.
5. 40 off 24 – Eden Gardens, 2023
A late-career aggressive cameo at 166+ SR.
Rohit Sharma ODI Trends vs South Africa
Early Phase (2007–2011): Struggles & inconsistency
- Many low scores
- Strike rate below 70 in most early knocks
- Not yet cemented as an opener
Middle Phase (2013–2017): Steady Improvement
- Regular opener
- Strong knock of 65 in Champions Trophy 2013
- More confidence against pace
Peak Phase (2015–2023): Dominant run
- 150 in 2015
- 115 & 122* between 2018–2019
- Much higher strike rates
- Match-winning knocks in ODIs & ICC events
Read more: Rohit Sharma Record List
Rohit Sharma vs South Africa – ODI Stats Summary Table
| Total Matches | 25 |
| Total Runs | 806 |
| Average (Progressive) | 33.58 |
| Highest Score | 150 |
| Centuries | 3 |
| Fifties | Multiple key contributions |
| Strike Rate | 82.67 (progressive at last entry) |
Rohit Sharma’s Impact vs South Africa – Why His Contribution Matters
- Performs well in ICC tournaments (2015 & 2019 WCs)
- Handles South Africa’s pace attack better over time
- Transitioned from lower-order to world-class opener
- Strong partnerships with Kohli in many matches
- Aggression at top boosts India’s totals in big games
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s ODI journey vs South Africa is a story of steady rise, patience, and eventual domination. From low early numbers to centuries in big tournaments, Rohit has grown into a dependable and dangerous opener against one of the strongest bowling attacks in world cricket.
Read more: Virat Kohli vs South Africa: ODI & T20I Records
His knocks of 150 (2015), 115 (2018), and 122 (2019)* stand as proof of his world-class ability and adaptability.
With more matches ahead, Rohit Sharma’s ODI record vs South Africa is set to grow further, adding new milestones and memorable innings to an already impressive resume.
