Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the "Hitman" of Indian cricket, is one of the most accomplished and celebrated cricketers in the world. Born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, Nagpur, India, Rohit is renowned for his elegant batting style, impeccable timing, and extraordinary ability to hit boundaries with ease. He is a versatile cricketer who has excelled in all three formats of the game – One Day Internationals (ODIs), Test cricket, and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This article delves deep into his life, career, family, records, achievements, awards, controversies, and more.
Rohit Sharma was born to Gurunath Sharma and Purnima Sharma in a modest family in Bansod, Nagpur. He has a younger brother named Vishal Sharma. Rohit's parents worked as caretakers of a transportation company's storehouse, and their financial situation was far from affluent. Despite the limited resources, they always encouraged Rohit to pursue his passion for cricket.
Rohit Sharma's tryst with cricket began at a young age when he started playing in his neighborhood streets. His talent quickly caught the eye of his school's cricket coach, Dinesh Lad, who recognized Rohit's potential and encouraged him to join a local cricket club.
At the age of 11, Rohit joined Swami Vivekanand International School, where he continued to hone his cricketing skills. His performances in school and club cricket earned him a reputation as a promising young talent in Mumbai's cricketing circles.
Rohit Sharma's consistent performances in domestic cricket led to his selection in the Indian U-19 team. He played in the 2006 U-19 Cricket World Cup, where he was one of the standout performers. His talent and temperament impressed selectors, and he was soon called up to the senior Indian cricket team.
Rohit made his international debut on June 23, 2007, in an ODI against Ireland. His innings of 61 not out announced his arrival on the international stage. It was just the beginning of a long and illustrious career.
Rohit Sharma's ODI career has been nothing short of spectacular. He has established himself as one of the finest opening batsmen in the history of limited-overs cricket. His elegant strokeplay and ability to build big innings have made him a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup.
One of the defining moments in Rohit's ODI career came in 2013 when he scored his first double century in ODIs. He smashed an incredible 209 runs against Australia, becoming only the third player in ODI history to achieve this milestone. This feat was followed by two more double centuries, making him the only cricketer to have three ODI double centuries to his name.
Rohit Sharma played pivotal roles in India's campaigns in the ICC Cricket World Cups. His consistency and ability to score centuries on the big stage have been crucial. He was the highest run-scorer in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, amassing 648 runs.
Rohit Sharma has also led the Indian cricket team in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli on multiple occasions. His captaincy skills have earned praise, and he has led India to victories in various bilateral series.
Rohit Sharma is a T20I stalwart and has been an integral part of the Indian team in the shortest format of the game. His ability to adapt to the format's demands and consistently find the boundaries has made him a valuable asset.
Rohit Sharma holds the record for the most centuries in T20 International cricket. His ability to convert starts into big scores has set him apart from his contemporaries.
Rohit's success extends to the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has been the captain of the Mumbai Indians franchise since 2013. Under his leadership, Mumbai Indians have clinched multiple IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in IPL history.
Rohit Sharma's Test career had a slow start, primarily due to his exceptional limited-overs prowess. However, he made a remarkable transition to Test cricket as an opening batsman.
In late 2019, Rohit was promoted to open the innings in Test cricket. This move paid rich dividends, as he scored back-to-back centuries in his first two Tests as an opener against South Africa. His ability to handle the new ball and dominate bowling attacks in Test cricket has been a revelation.
Rohit Sharma's Test career has been marked by records and milestones. He became the first batsman in history to score two centuries in his maiden Test as an opener. His knack for big scores and consistency have made him a crucial asset in the longest format.
Rohit Sharma's career is studded with numerous records and achievements, some of which include:
Rohit Sharma's exceptional cricketing journey has earned him numerous awards and honors, including:
He was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2015, recognizing his significant contributions to Indian cricket.