Rohit Gurunath Sharma (born 30 April 1987) is one of the modern-day cricketing greats from India, widely known for his elegant stroke play, composure, and power-hitting. Rohit, also known as “Hitman,” is considered one of the finest opening batsmen in the history of limited-overs cricket. He plays for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and represents Mumbai in domestic cricket. Rohit has captained India in multiple formats, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he led the Indian team to a memorable victory in 2024. His remarkable performances across formats and his incredible records make him one of the most successful and revered cricketers in world cricket today.
Early Life and Background
Rohit Sharma was born on 30 April 1987 in Bansod, a small town in Maharashtra, India. However, his family moved to Mumbai when he was young, and it was here that his cricketing journey truly began. Coming from a humble background, his father worked at a transport firm, and his mother was a homemaker. Financial constraints meant that Rohit was raised by his grandparents in Borivali, Mumbai. Despite the challenges, Rohit showed a deep passion for cricket from a very young age.
Rohit started his cricket journey at the age of 11 when he joined Swami Vivekanand International School. He initially played tennis ball cricket in his neighborhood and would often accompany his uncle to watch the games. His early exposure to cricket and determination led him to be enrolled in a local cricket camp under the guidance of Dinesh Lad, who recognized Rohit’s potential.
Rohit soon moved to West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of 12, where he honed his skills. It was here that his mentor saw great promise in him, and the academy’s better infrastructure allowed him to develop as a cricketer. He later went on to attend the prestigious Mumbai Cricket Association‘s camps. Overcoming financial struggles and showing tremendous determination, Rohit’s story is a classic example of perseverance against all odds.
Domestic and IPL Career
Mumbai and First-Class Debut
Rohit Sharma made his First-Class debut for Mumbai in the 2006–07 Ranji Trophy season, where he displayed immense talent. His ability to play attacking cricket under pressure soon became evident. In one of his early matches, he scored an impressive 205 runs against Gujarat, solidifying his place in Mumbai’s squad. His performance continued to shine, and in 2008, he became the youngest cricketer to score a century in his debut match.
Throughout his early career, Rohit showed that he had the potential to go beyond domestic cricket. His consistency and big scores earned him recognition, and soon he was on the radar of selectors for India’s limited-overs teams. His ability to adapt and score in all formats made him a versatile player who could hold his own in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test cricket.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
Rohit Sharma’s career in the Indian Premier League (IPL) took off when he was picked up by the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008. Though he started as a middle-order batsman, his real breakthrough came when he was bought by the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2011. It was with MI that Rohit found his true calling, not only as a player but also as a leader.
In 2013, Rohit was named the captain of MI, and under his leadership, the team won the IPL title. This was the beginning of a golden era for Mumbai Indians, with Rohit at the helm. Since then, Mumbai Indians have won a record five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020), making them one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. Rohit’s calm leadership, ability to rotate the strike, and skill to anchor the innings while also attacking when needed earned him the nickname “Hitman”. His performances with MI and his leadership qualities made him an irreplaceable part of the IPL.
International Career
T20I Debut and Early Success
Rohit made his T20I debut for India on 19 September 2007, in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup. He played a crucial role in India’s triumph in the tournament, which remains one of the most celebrated moments in Indian cricket history. Despite not getting many opportunities in the initial years, Rohit showcased glimpses of his talent, especially during the 2009 T20 World Cup, where he played a stellar role in India’s successful campaign.
In the years that followed, Rohit went from strength to strength, becoming one of the finest T20 batsmen in world cricket. His ability to hit big sixes, pace his innings well, and keep the strike rotating made him a dangerous proposition for any opposition. He holds several T20I records, including the most runs in T20Is and most sixes in T20Is.
ODI Career
Rohit Sharma made his ODI debut on 23 June 2007 against Ireland in Belfast, a match where he got an early indication of his potential. However, it was in the 2013 ODI series against the West Indies that Rohit truly made his mark. Rohit’s score of 209 in that series made him the first player to score a double century in ODIs for India. This was the beginning of an extraordinary journey in ODIs for Rohit, where he went on to break numerous records.
His 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest individual score in ODI history, a feat that is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon. He is also the only player to have scored three double centuries in ODIs, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time. Rohit’s consistency in the middle-order and his ability to anchor innings while still being able to attack in the later overs made him one of India’s most reliable batsmen in limited-overs cricket.
Rohit Sharma also holds the record for the most centuries by an Indian in World Cups, with five centuries in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. His performances in ICC tournaments are a testament to his ability to perform on the big stage.
Test Career
Rohit made his Test debut for India on 6 November 2013 against the West Indies in Kolkata. His innings of 177 on debut was a clear statement that he was not just a limited-overs specialist, but a versatile cricketer capable of excelling in all formats. His success in Tests continued with memorable centuries against Australia, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
In 2019, Rohit was promoted to open the batting in Tests, and that decision proved to be a turning point in his career. He scored two centuries in his first series as an opening batsman in India, against South Africa, showing that he could replicate his limited-overs success in the Test format as well. Rohit’s ability to play long, patient innings while being aggressive when needed made him a top-class Test opener.
Rohit’s Test career is still ongoing, and as of 2025, he remains an integral part of the Indian Test squad, continuing to play pivotal roles in major series and ICC tournaments.
Captaincy
T20I and ODI Captaincy
In 2021, Rohit Sharma was appointed the captain of the Indian T20I team, succeeding Virat Kohli, and under his leadership, India won the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, marking their first T20 World Cup victory since 2007. Rohit’s approach to captaincy has been praised for being calm, strategic, and aggressive when necessary. He has led from the front, scoring runs in crucial matches and making vital contributions in high-pressure situations.
In addition to his T20I responsibilities, Rohit became India’s permanent ODI captain in late 2021, after Kohli stepped down. His tenure as captain has been marked by unbeaten series wins, including the 2023 Asia Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2024. Rohit’s calm demeanor and tactical awareness have earned him accolades as one of the most successful captains in the world.
Test Captaincy
After Virat Kohli’s resignation as the Test captain in 2022, Rohit Sharma was appointed the captain of India’s Test team. Under his leadership, India reached the final of the 2023 ICC World Test Championship (WTC), though they were narrowly defeated by Australia. Despite this setback, Rohit’s leadership in the longest format of the game has been highly regarded for its strategic depth and ability to manage pressure.
Records and Achievements
- Three ODI double centuries – a record no other player has achieved in the history of the game.
- 264 runs in an ODI, the highest individual score in ODI cricket.
- Five World Cup centuries – a record for any Indian cricketer.
- Record for the most sixes in T20 internationals.
- Holds the record for the most T20I runs for India.
- Leading run-scorer for India in several ICC events, including World Cups and Champions Trophy tournaments.
Personal Life
Rohit Sharma married his long-time partner Ritika Sajdeh in December 2015. They have a daughter named Samaira. Rohit is known for being a very private person, often avoiding media glare and keeping his personal life away from the limelight. He is also a passionate supporter of Real Madrid FC and enjoys reading books and watching movies during his downtime.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s story is one of dedication, hard work, and extraordinary talent. From a young boy in Mumbai to one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen, Rohit has redefined batting standards in limited-overs cricket. His record-breaking career continues to inspire aspiring cricketers worldwide, and his contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for generations. With numerous records, ICC titles, and personal accolades, Rohit Sharma has secured his place in cricketing history as one of the true legends of the game.
Stay tuned for all the latest Cricket news, match highlights, player analysis and viral moments!