Back to his hometown for the penultimate game of the five-match rubber, Rohit compensated for his failure in the third ODI by belting another top-notch hundred, the 21st of his career and the second of the series.
Rohit's 162 came off 137 balls, and was laced with 20 boundaries and four sixes, but importantly crucial from the team's point of view as he forged a 211-run third wicket stand with the other centurion Ambati Rayudu (100 off 81balls; 4X8, 6X4).
Electing to bat, India raced to a brisk 71-run opening stand between Shikhar Dhawan (38) and Rohit, but were jolted once again with the second wicket of skipper Virat Kohli (16) falling in the span of 30 runs.
A rare failure after three consecutive tons, Kohli's early departure gave Rayudu, the newly-anointed No.4 the perfect platform to not only stamp his authority but also cement his place in the build up to the ICC World Cup in 2019.
With Rohit in full flow, Rayudu took the back seat playing the perfect second fiddle and quietly watched the Mumbaikar racing to his 21st ODI ton off 98 deliveries when he chopped left-arm spinner Fabian Allen for a boundary to the point boundary.
The 33-year-old Rayudu steadily brought up his half century before matching his partner shot by shot until off-spinner Ashley Nurse got the back of the opener caught at third man by Chandrapaul Hemraj.
The Hyderabadi right-hander continued milking the West Indians and in the company of an off-colour Mahendra Singh Dhoni (23), reached his third century off 80 deliveries before finally being run out.
Towards the end, Kedar Jadhav (16 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (7 not out) got a few lusty blows to swell the total past the 370-run mark.
For the West Indian bowlers, it turned out to be a tough day at office, as pace spearhead Kemar Roach leaked 74 runs for his two wickets, while off-spinner Nurse and medium pacer Keemo Paul picked one scalp apiece.
Brief Scores: India 377/5 (Rohit Sharma 162, Ambati Rayudu 100; Kemar Roach 2/74) vs West Indies.
OCA secretary Sanjay Behera informed that already the work order for the repair of the stadium floodlights has been issued and the entire repair work is likely to be completed by November last week or December first week.
However, there might be some disappointment for fans as there might be lesser number of tickets up for grabs for the match at Barabati.
“The Gallery No.7, the oldest gallery, is not safe and soon we will ask engineers and government agencies to review its status. If found unsafe, the gallery will be closed and hence there will be lesser number of tickets,” said Behera.
OCA officials further informed that so far no decision has been taken whether the prices of tickets for the ODI match will be hiked or it will remain the same. The decision on ticket rates will be finalised during the next apex council meeting.
According to OCA secretary, several issues like funds and test venue status for Barabati was discussed with the newly-elected BCCI chief Saurabh Ganguly.
Barabati had reportedly lost test match venue status owing to lack of accommodation facilities in Cuttack and long travelling time from Bhubaneswar to Barabati stadium.
“With opening of a new bridge, the travelling time from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar and vice-versa has come down to 20 to 25 minutes against the 40 to 45 minutes earlier. We believe that this will not be an issue now,” Behera added.
While sale of online tickets has already ended, tickets will be sold at designated counters at the stadium on December 19 and December 20.
Speaking about the availability of tickets, CEO of OCA, Bidyut Nayak said, "OCA-affiliated agencies will get tickets on Dec 16 and 17 and in total, 9,010 reserved tickets are available. Later on Dec 19 and 20, 10,050 tickets will be sold over the counter for general public."
Meanwhile, preparations for the match have reached the final stages. All the work pertaining to the pitch, outfield and spectator galleries has been completed and 24-hour security staff will be deployed, informed sources.