Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, was born on April 30, 1987, in Nagpur, Maharashtra. He grew up in a modest Telugu-speaking middle-class family. His father, Gurunath Sharma, worked as a caretaker in a transport company, while his mother, Purnima Sharma, was a homemaker. Due to financial struggles, Rohit spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents and uncle in Borivali, Mumbai.
From a very young age, Rohit developed an interest in cricket. Initially, he started as an off-spin bowler, but his natural talent with the bat was soon recognized. His uncle enrolled him in a local cricket camp, where coach Dinesh Lad spotted his potential. Dinesh Lad not only trained him but also helped him secure admission to Swami Vivekanand International School in Mumbai on a scholarship, ensuring Rohit had access to proper cricket training and facilities. It was here that he refined his batting skills, eventually transforming from a bowler into one of the greatest opening batsmen in the history of cricket.
Cricket Career
Domestic Career & Early Breakthrough:
Rohit made his first-class debut for Mumbai in 2006 during the Ranji Trophy season. His elegant stroke play and ability to score runs quickly made him an immediate standout in the domestic circuit. Within a year, his performances earned him a place in the Indian national team setup.
International Debut Matches:
- ODI Debut: June 23, 2007, vs Ireland
- T20I Debut: September 19, 2007, vs England (part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad)
- Test Debut: November 6, 2013, vs West Indies (scored 177 runs in his debut innings)
- IPL Debut: 2008 (Deccan Chargers)
Major Achievements & Records
Rohit Sharma has etched his name in cricket history with some extraordinary records:
- Only batsman in the world to score three double centuries in ODIs (209, 264, 208*).
- Holds the highest individual score in ODI cricket – 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014.
- Fastest T20I century by an Indian – 35 balls vs Sri Lanka (2017).
- Most centuries (5) in a single World Cup – achieved in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- First Indian batsman to score four T20I centuries.
- Scored twin centuries on Test debut (2013 vs West Indies).
- Among the few Indians to hit over 500 international sixes.
- Led India to multiple trophies including the Asia Cup 2018 and Nidahas Trophy 2018.
- Captained India to the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, where India finished as runners-up.
Captaincy Record
Rohit Sharma is recognized as one of India’s most successful modern-day captains, both in international cricket and the Indian Premier League.
- Full-time Captain of India (2022–Present).
- Test Captain (2022–Present): 13 wins in 20 matches (as of 2024).
- ODI Captain (2021–Present): Guided India to the 2023 ODI World Cup Final.
- T20I Captain: Led India to victory in Asia Cup 2018 & Nidahas Trophy 2018.
As a leader, Rohit is admired for his calm and composed personality, tactical awareness, and ability to back young talent, much like his Mumbai Indians captaincy style.
IPL Career
Rohit Sharma has been one of the most influential players in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Started his IPL career with Deccan Chargers (2008–2010), winning the 2009 title.
- Joined Mumbai Indians (2011–Present) and later became captain.
- Under his leadership, Mumbai Indians won 5 IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) – a record matched only by MS Dhoni.
- Scored 6,000+ runs for Mumbai Indians, making him one of the top run-getters in IPL history.
- Best IPL score: 109 vs Kolkata Knight Riders.*
Personal Life
Off the field, Rohit Sharma leads a happy family life.
- Father: Gurunath Sharma (worked in a transport company).
- Mother: Purnima Sharma (homemaker).
- Brother: Vishal Sharma.
- Wife: Ritika Sajdeh (Sports Manager, married in 2015).
- Daughter: Samaira Sharma (born in 2018).
Physical Stats
- Height: 5’8” (173 cm)
- Weight: ~75 kg (165 lbs)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Black
Awards & Honors
Rohit Sharma’s illustrious career has been celebrated with numerous awards:
- Arjuna Award (2015) – For outstanding contribution to Indian cricket.
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2020) – India’s highest sporting honor.
- ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year (2019).
- ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year (2023).
- Padma Shri (2024) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Playing Style & Legacy
Known for his impeccable timing and effortless stroke play, Rohit Sharma is regarded as one of the greatest white-ball batsmen of all time. His pull shot has become iconic, and his ability to switch gears in pressure situations makes him a dangerous batsman across formats.
Beyond his batting, Rohit has also proved to be an inspirational captain who has successfully built strong, balanced teams both for India and Mumbai Indians. His calm nature, combined with sharp cricketing instincts, has earned him respect worldwide.
Today, Rohit Sharma is not just a cricketing superstar but also a role model for young athletes, proving that with determination, patience, and consistency, even humble beginnings can lead to greatness.
