Rohit Sharma, affectionately known as the “Hitman” by his fans, has established himself as one of the greatest batsmen in modern cricket and the undisputed No 1 captain of the Indian team. With his elegant stroke play, incredible timing, and record-breaking performances, Rohit has captured the hearts of millions. Let’s dive into the remarkable journey of this cricketing superstar.
Early Life and Domestic Career
Born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Rohit Sharma’s cricketing talent was evident from a young age. He joined a cricket camp in 1999 and quickly impressed his coach Dinesh Lad. Rohit initially started as an off-spinner but later transformed into a top-order batsman.
Rohit’s domestic career took off when he scored an unbeaten 142 for West Zone against North Zone in the 2005 Deodhar Trophy. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the India A team and the Ranji Trophy squad. He further showcased his potential with a double century against Gujarat and a fifty against Bengal.
International Debut and Initial Struggles
Rohit made his international debut in an ODI against Ireland in June 2007. Later that year, he was part of the Indian team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup. Despite being a key member of the squad, Rohit struggled to cement his place in the team due to inconsistent performances.
It was in 2013 when then-captain MS Dhoni promoted Rohit to open the batting in ODIs that his career took a dramatic turn. The move proved to be a masterstroke as Rohit formed a formidable opening partnership with Shikhar Dhawan.
The Rise of the Hitman
Rohit’s elevation to the opening slot unleashed his true potential. He became the first player to score two double centuries in ODIs, with his 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remaining the highest individual score in the format. Rohit’s ability to score big hundreds and his six-hitting prowess earned him the moniker “Hitman.”
In 2019, Rohit had a stellar World Cup campaign, scoring a record five centuries in a single edition of the tournament. He ended up as the highest run-scorer with 648 runs at an average of 81.00.
| Year | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 28 | 1490 | 57.30 | 89.92 | 7 |
| 2020 | 9 | 332 | 66.40 | 100.00 | 1 |
| 2021 | 11 | 332 | 30.18 | 80.58 | 0 |
| 2022 | 24 | 996 | 47.42 | 100.20 | 3 |
| 2023 | 27 | 1159 | 48.29 | 106.82 | 3 |
Rohit Sharma’s ODI stats from 2019 to 2023
Captaincy and Leadership
In 2017, Rohit was appointed as the captain of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his leadership, Mumbai Indians won the IPL title a record five times (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020). Rohit’s calm demeanor, strategic acumen, and ability to get the best out of his players made him a highly respected leader.
Rohit’s success in the IPL translated to his captaincy stint with the Indian team. He led India to victory in the 2018 Asia Cup and the 2021 home series against England. In November 2021, Rohit was officially appointed as India’s T20I captain, taking over from Virat Kohli.
T20 World Cup Glory and Retirement
The pinnacle of Rohit’s captaincy career came in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Leading a talented Indian side, Rohit guided the team to a historic title triumph, defeating South Africa in the final. It was India’s second T20 World Cup trophy, with Rohit being a part of both winning squads (2007 and 2024).
Following the victory, Rohit announced his retirement from T20I cricket, ending a glorious chapter in his career. He finished as the highest run-scorer in T20Is with 4231 runs at an average of 32.05 and a strike rate of 140.89. Rohit’s five centuries in the format remain a record, tied with Glenn Maxwell.
Test Cricket Exploits
While Rohit is primarily known for his white-ball heroics, he has also made significant contributions in Test cricket. He made his Test debut in 2013 and scored a century in his first innings itself. However, consistency eluded him in the initial phase of his Test career.
It was in 2019 when Rohit was promoted to open the batting in Tests that he found his footing in the longest format. He scored twin centuries in his first Test as an opener against South Africa and followed it up with a double century against the same opposition.
Rohit’s ability to score quick runs and his aggressive approach at the top of the order have been crucial to India’s success in recent years. He has formed a formidable opening partnership with KL Rahul, providing solid starts to the team.
Personal Life and Off-Field Persona
Off the field, Rohit is known for his calm and composed demeanor. He married his long-time girlfriend Ritika Sajdeh in December 2015, and the couple was blessed with a daughter, Samaira, in 2018.
Rohit is actively involved in various charitable initiatives and is an ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India. He also owns a sports event management company, SR Sports.
Records and Achievements
- Most runs in T20Is: 4231
- Most centuries in T20Is: 5 (tied with Glenn Maxwell)
- Most sixes in international cricket: 533
- Most double centuries in ODIs: 3
- Highest individual score in ODIs: 264
- Most centuries in a single World Cup: 5 (2019)
- Most sixes in a single IPL season: 28 (2019)
- Five-time IPL winning captain (Mumbai Indians)
- Khel Ratna Award (2020)
- Arjuna Award (2015)
The Legacy of Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s journey from a talented youngster to a cricketing icon is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. His record-breaking performances, captaincy skills, and the ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches have made him a true legend of the game.
As Rohit continues to lead the Indian team in the Test and ODI formats, his fans eagerly await more masterful innings and historic victories. With his infectious smile, calm demeanor, and the willow in his hand, Rohit Sharma has etched his name in the annals of cricketing greatness, forever to be remembered as the “Hitman” who led India to glory.
