Rohit Gurunath Sharma (born 30 April 1987), popularly known as Rohit Sharma or by his nickname “Hitman”, is an Indian international cricketer and former captain of the Indian national cricket team. Renowned for his elegant timing, powerful six-hitting and leadership abilities, Sharma has been one of the most prolific batters in limited-overs cricket and a key figure in Indian cricket across formats. He has set numerous records, including being the only player to score three double centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and holding the highest individual ODI score of 264 runs.
Sharma retired from Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket in June 2024 after leading India to a T20 World Cup title, and he retired from Test cricket in May 2025.
Early Life and Background
Rohit Sharma was born on 30 April 1987 in Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. He grew up in a middle-class family and showed an early interest in cricket. His talent was spotted by coach Dinesh Lad, who encouraged him to join a cricket academy. Initially a spin bowler, Sharma transitioned his focus to batting as he developed his cricketing skills.
Domestic Cricket Career
Rohit made his senior domestic debut in 2006 in a List A match for West Zone. He quickly impressed with his consistent batting, earning selection for India A and subsequently debuting in the prestigious Ranji Trophy for Mumbai in the 2006–07 season. His strong domestic performances, including a double hundred in the Ranji final, cemented his reputation as a rising batting talent in Indian cricket.
International Career
ODI Debut and Early Struggles
Sharma’s international debut came in an ODI against Ireland in June 2007, where he didn’t bat or bowl but took a catch. He was also part of India’s inaugural T20 World Cup squad the same year. After early promise, he faced periods of inconsistency that saw him in and out of the team, particularly around the 2011 ODI World Cup.
Breakthrough as Opener
The turning point in Sharma’s career came in 2013 when captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni promoted him to open the ODI batting. Sharma thrived in this role, scoring multiple double centuries — including a record 264 against Sri Lanka, the highest individual score in ODI history — and establishing himself as a world-class opener.
T20 and Test Cricket
Sharma made his T20I debut in 2007 and scored his first T20I century in 2015. He debuted in Test cricket in 2013 against the West Indies, making an impressive 177 runs in his first innings. However, his Test form was inconsistent, and he eventually announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2025 after a distinguished career.
Leadership and Captaincy
Rohit Sharma was appointed vice-captain and later captain of the Indian team across formats. Under his leadership, India reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, won the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, and achieved numerous bilateral series victories. He has been noted for his tactical brain and calm leadership style.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
In the IPL, Rohit began his career with Deccan Chargers in 2008 before joining Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2011. His captaincy from 2013 turned MI into the most successful IPL franchise, winning five titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020). Under his captaincy, MI became known for consistency, team balance, and excellence in pressure games.
Records and Achievements
- Only player in history with three ODI double centuries.
- Holds the highest individual ODI score (264).
- Among the most sixes hit in international cricket and cricket World Cups.
- One of few cricketers to play in every T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2024.
Awards and Honours
Rohit has been recognized with numerous accolades:
- Arjuna Award (2015) – India’s second-highest sporting honor.
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2020) – India’s highest sporting honor.
- Multiple ICC Team of the Year selections and the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2019).
Personal Life
Rohit Sharma married his long-time partner Ritika Sajdeh on 13 December 2015. Known for his engaging personality, he is also involved in philanthropic activities and has supported animal welfare causes.
Legacy
Sharma’s influence on Indian cricket is substantial: as a batsman, he redefined limited-overs opening batting; as a captain, he led India to major ICC victories; and in the IPL, he transformed Mumbai Indians into a powerhouse. His records and leadership have ensured his place among cricket’s modern legends.
All-About Rohit Sharma — Quick Reference Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rohit Gurunath Sharma |
| Date of Birth | 30 April 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India |
| Nickname | Hitman |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm occasional off-spin |
| Domestic Team | Mumbai |
| IPL Teams | Deccan Chargers (2008–2010), Mumbai Indians (2011–Present) |
| India Debut (ODI) | June 2007 vs Ireland |
| India Debut (T20I) | 2007 vs England |
| India Debut (Test) | 2013 vs West Indies |
| Role | Batsman / Former Captain |
| T20I Retirement | June 2024 |
| Test Retirement | May 2025 |
| Highest ODI Score | 264 runs |
| ODI Double Centuries | 3 (Most in history) |
| IPL Titles as Captain | 5 (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) |
| Awards | Arjuna Award (2015), Khel Ratna (2020) |
| Spouse | Ritika Sajdeh |
| Notable Traits | Elegant timing, six-hitting, leadership |
- Official Career Statistics Tables (Batting & Bowling – by format)
- Chronological Career Timeline (Infographic-style in text)
1. Rohit Sharma – International Career Statistics
Batting Statistics (International Cricket)
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 67 | 116 | 4,308 | 40.57 | 57.05 | 12 | 18 | 212 |
| ODI | 262 | 254 | 10,709 | 49.12 | 90.01 | 31 | 55 | 264 |
| T20I | 159 | 151 | 4,231 | 31.34 | 140.89 | 5 | 32 | 121* |
| IPL | 257 | 252 | 6,621 | 29.72 | 131.14 | 2 | 43 | 109* |
Bowling Statistics (International Cricket)
| Format | Balls | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 383 | 2 | 1/26 | 3.36 |
| ODI | 1,295 | 9 | 2/27 | 5.27 |
| T20I | 419 | 8 | 4/23 | 8.02 |
2. Rohit Sharma – IPL Captaincy Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| IPL Teams | Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians |
| Matches as Captain | 158 |
| Wins | 87 |
| Win Percentage | ~55% |
| IPL Titles | 5 (Most by a captain) |
| Years Won | 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020 |
3. Rohit Sharma – Career Timeline (Milestones)
Early Years
- 1987 – Born in Nagpur, Maharashtra
- 2006 – Domestic debut for West Zone
- 2007 – ODI debut vs Ireland
- 2007 – Part of India’s first T20 World Cup win
Rise & Transformation
- 2011 – Joins Mumbai Indians
- 2013 – Promoted as ODI opener (career-changing move)
- 2013 – Test debut, scores 177 on debut
- 2014 – Scores 264 vs Sri Lanka (highest ODI score ever)
Peak Years
- 2015 – Arjuna Award
- 2017–2020 – Dominates IPL as MI captain
- 2019 – Scores 5 centuries in one ODI World Cup
- 2020 – Awarded Khel Ratna
Leadership Era
- 2022 – Becomes full-time India captain
- 2023 – Leads India to ODI World Cup Final
- 2024 – Wins ICC T20 World Cup as captain
- 2024 – Retires from T20 Internationals
- 2025 – Retires from Test cricket
4. Unique Records & Facts
- 🏏 Only cricketer with 3 ODI double centuries
- 🔥 Most sixes in ODI World Cups
- 👑 Most IPL titles as captain (5)
- 📈 Only player to score 100+ sixes in T20Is
- 🌍 Played every T20 World Cup from 2007–2024
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s journey from a talented middle-order batsman to one of the greatest openers and captains in cricket history is a story of adaptability, resilience, and excellence. His records across formats, unparalleled IPL success, and leadership in ICC tournaments have secured his legacy as one of India’s most iconic cricketers.
By
