Rohit Sharma on the verge of multiple milestones! 21K international runs, 400 ODI sixes in sight against New Zealand

NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma will have more than just runs on his mind when India take on New Zealand in the upcoming five-match ODI series, starting in Auckland on Wednesday. The Indian opener is on the brink of several significant milestones and could add multiple records to his already impressive career during the series.The 'Hitman' heads into the New Zealand challenge on the back of a prolific run against West Indies at home, where he scored 225 runs in three innings at an average of 75, including a century and a half-century. He has also enjoyed a productive year in ODIs, accumulating 604 runs in 12 innings at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 104.67, with two centuries and two fifties.Rohit, who has scored 12,120 runs in 291 ODIs, will be looking to carry that form into the New Zealand series. Here are five major milestones he could achieve.21,000 international runs and 5,000 in SENA conditionsRohit is just 348 runs away from becoming the latest Indian batter to cross the 21,000-run mark in international cricket. He has accumulated 20,652 runs in 517 matches and 550 innings at an average of 42.66, including 52 centuries and 113 fifties.He is also closing in on another significant overseas milestone. With 4,964 international runs as an opener in SENA conditions, Rohit needs just 36 more to become the first Indian opening batter to reach 5,000 runs in South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia. His tally includes 17 centuries and 23 fifties in 114 matches.A century in New Zealand would also put him in an exclusive club. Rohit needs one ODI hundred in the country to become the fourth Indian batter, after Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, to score ODI centuries in all four SENA nations.400 ODI sixes and 15,000 runs in winning causesRohit is already the leading six-hitter in ODI history, with 381 maximums to his name. He needs 19 more to become the first batter to smash 400 sixes in the format. He is also 26 sixes away from reaching 700 maximums in international cricket.Another landmark awaits him in winning causes. Rohit has scored 14,817 international runs in matches won by his teams and needs 183 more to reach 15,000. Only Ricky Ponting (20,140), Virat Kohli (18,589) and Sachin Tendulkar (17,113) have crossed that mark.Rohit looks to silence doubters ahead of 2027 World CupDespite continued discussions around his place and form ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rohit has remained among India's most productive batters in the format. His 35 centuries and 63 fifties underline his consistency, while his recent performances against West Indies offer further encouragement.In New Zealand, where he has scored 437 runs in 14 ODIs at an average of 36.41, including four half-centuries, Rohit will be aiming to make an impact while chasing some major personal milestones.The five-match series presents another opportunity for the veteran opener to add to his legacy and strengthen India's preparations for the next World Cup.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.