Rohit Sharma's 5 Best Performances at Eden Gardens

There have been cricketers who have scripted unbelievable success stories at particular venues, from Brian Lara at St.Johns, Antigua to Sachin at Chepauk and SCG, legends galore of how these performers transformed the game in to a different art altogether at specific. Batsmen, especially seem to have an added dimension to their stroke play at certain grounds, the ball just tends to come better off the deck, the crowd is behind you and more often than not, in such love stories, even the boundaries conspire. As we approach the final T20 of the Gandhi-Mandela series, it’s worth reminiscing one such modern relationship – that between Rohit Sharma and the iconic Eden Gardens.Below are 5 of his best performances at the venue:

#1 177 on Test Debut

On November 7, 2013 at what his favourite stadium, Rohit Sharma became the 14th Indian batsman to score a century on Test debut. In what was also Sachin Tendulkar’s 199th and penultimate Test, the fellow Mumbaikar made the opportunity count after finally being bestowed with an opportunity in whites after having played 108 ODIs for the country.

#2 World Record 264 in an ODI

Also the second-highest score in List A cricket, which includes domestic one-dayers as well, after Surrey's Ali Brown who holds the record, for his innings of 268 against Glamorgan in 2002, this is considered by many as perhaps the best knock ever played in ODIs. It also made him the first batsman to score 2 double centuries in international limited overs cricket. In November 2013, Rohit had scored 209 against Australia.

#3 98 and 109 in IPL

Even in IPL, Sharma seems to have a definite liking for this gorund. Earlier this year, his team - Mumbai Indians (MI) were reeling at 37 for 3 in the sixth over when Corey Anderson joined MI captain Rohit Sharma at the crease. The pair added 131 from 88 balls as MI finished on 168 for 3. Leading the attack was Rohit, who finished with 98 not out from 65 balls with 12 fours and four sixes. Though they lost the game, the inspirational captain added another chapter to his love story with Eden.

Also in 2012, he had scored 109 at- not so surprisingly- the same venue!

#4 Lifting IPL in 2013 & 2015 at the venue

Rohit’s first IPL title with the Mumbai Indians franchisee came in 2013. In only his initial days of taking up the added responsibility of captaincy, he shined and led his team brilliantly to take them home and lift the coveted trophy. He obviously pulled off an encore on May 24 earlier this year.

#5 200 in a Ranji Trophy match vs Bengal

When Mumbai squared off against Bengal in 2011, Ajinkya Rahane smashed a ton. It was Rohit however who grabbed all the headlines with a brilliant double ton.Having walked in at 236 for three, he reached to his 200 in only 257 balls. Studded with 23 fours and 3 sixes, it propelled Mumbai to score 621 and seal a crucial first innings lead.