Rohit Sharma: The Hitman of Indian Cricket
Explore Rohit Sharma’s journey from Mumbai’s streets to becoming India’s World Cup captain. Discover his 3 ODI double centuries, 5 IPL titles, stats, awards, and leadership legacy. Dive into the Hitman’s biography!
Deepak Maurya
Jan 31, 2025 10:06
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Rohit Sharma: The Hitman of Indian Cricket
Explore the journey of Rohit Sharma, India’s "Hitman," from a talented youngster to a World Cup-winning captain. Dive into his records, leadership, and legacy as one of cricket’s greatest openers.
| Full Name | Rohit Gurunath Sharma |
| Date of Birth | April 30, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Nagpur, Maharashtra, India |
| Profession | Cricketer, Captain, Brand Ambassador |
| Debut Match | ODI: June 23, 2007 (vs Ireland) |
| Known For | Explosive batting, double centuries, captaincy |
| Spouse | Ritika Sajdeh (m. 2015) |
| Children | Samaira |
| Awards | 2× ICC ODI Player of the Year, Arjuna Award (2015) |
| Notable Records | - Most double centuries in ODIs (3) - Highest individual ODI score (264) |
| Net Worth | $25 million (approx.) |
Early Life and Family
Born into a middle-class family, Rohit’s passion for cricket began in Mumbai’s Borivali suburb. His parents, Gurunath Sharma (warehouse caretaker) and Purnima Sharma, struggled financially but supported his dreams. Mentored by coach Dinesh Lad, Rohit shifted to Swami Vivekanand International School to focus on cricket, marking the start of his meteoric rise.
Career Journey
Early Struggles to Stardom
Rohit debuted in 2007 but faced inconsistency until 2013, when MS Dhoni promoted him to opener. This move transformed his career. His 209 vs Australia (2013) and 264 vs Sri Lanka (2014) rewrote ODI history.
Captaincy and Leadership
Rohit led India to victory in the 2018 Asia Cup and Nidahas Trophy. As Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, he clinched 5 IPL titles (2013–2023), cementing his legacy as a tactical genius. In 2021, he became India’s full-time T20I captain and later took over ODI and Test leadership from Virat Kohli.
World Cup Glory
Rohit’s 648 runs in the 2019 ODI World Cup earned him the "Hitman" tag. In 2023, he captained India to the World Cup final, smashing 597 runs with a fearless approach.
Major Achievements
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ODI Records: Only player with 3 double centuries and highest individual score (264).
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T20I Dominance: First batter with 5 T20I centuries.
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IPL Legend: Most titles as captain (5) and fourth-highest run-scorer (6,500+ runs).
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Awards: ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2019, 2020), Khel Ratna (2020).
Unique Batting Style
Rohit’s elegance and timing define his batting. His signature pull shots and effortless sixes make him a nightmare for bowlers. Unlike power-hitters, he relies on wristwork and spacing, adapting seamlessly across formats.
Philanthropy and Brand Power
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Social Work: Supports Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) and animal welfare NGOs.
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Brand Value: Endorses brands like Adidas, Oppo, and Hublot. Co-owns Sport Convo (sports tech) and Aqua Di Lara (fashion).
Legacy and Impact
Rohit redefined limited-overs batting, blending aggression with grace. His captaincy brought calmness and strategic depth to Team India. As a mentor, he nurtured talents like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya at MI.
Interesting Facts
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Nickname: "Hitman" for his big-hitting prowess.
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Foodie: Loves Mumbai’s vada pav and owns the restaurant O Pedro.
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Fitness Turnaround: Overcame weight issues post-2016 to become a fitness icon.
