I still have lot more to do: Rohit Sharma

Updated: Sun, Feb 08 2015 02:19 IST

Kolkata, Nov 13 (IANS) After cracking a world record 264 against Sri Lanka in an ODI here, India's stylish opener Rohit Sharma Thursday made it clear that he would not rest on his laurels, as he had "still lot more to do".

Having set the stage for India's emphatic 153-run win over the islanders at the Eden Gardens with his dream comeback innings, when he surpassed Virender Sehwag's existing world record of 219, the 27-year-old Mumbaikar said he was now a happy man.

"I am happy, not relieved. I can tell you that at a young age, I never thought I will play that kind of innings and all the records happened to me. Still there is lot more to do," he said at the post-match media conference.

Sharma, who had to pull out midway into the England trip in August following a finger injury and remained out of action this long, is now also the first player in ODI history to score two double hundreds.

Stating that the last two and a half months were not easy, Sharma thanked the BCCI and physio Vaibhav Dhaga for his comeback.

"The last two and half months were very tough time for me. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), its physio, and lot of others helped.

"Thanks to all of them, specially the physio. Without his help, I wouldn't have made a comeback."

The right-hander, who struck 33 boundaries and nine sixes during his 173-ball essay, said the initial overs were not easy as he had been out of competitive cricket for some time.

"After being away from competitive cricket for months, the initial overs were not easy. Shot-making and execution were not easy. I showed my determination and I like to thank (opening partner) Ajinkya Rahane who helped me settle down."

Asked whether Sehwag's record was there at the back of his mind, Sharma said: "I knew about this innings. The last time when I scored a double hundred someone told me about that innings.

"But this time when I batted, it was not in my mind. But sometime after scoring the 200, when I saw all my colleagues giving me a standing ovation, I realised I had broken it."

Sharma said he had no problem whether he was asked to open the innings or play in the middle order.

"It's upto the team management. The World Cup is around. I will play wherever they want me to."

Sharma said he would celebrate the knock as it was a "special moment" in his career. "It's a great innings in a great ground."

He said the coming Australia series would be very challenging.

"It's a tough team and a tough series. Playing in Australia is not so easy."

Sharma said he loved playing in Kolkata.

"It's a great place. I have so many fond meories. Whenever I play here, I make some records."

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