Rohit Sharma, often known as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, is one of the most stylish and successful batsmen in modern cricket. Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to score big hundreds, Rohit has etched his name in the history of the game with multiple records and match-winning performances.
Early Life and Background
Rohit Gurunath Sharma was born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra. He comes from a humble background. His father worked as a caretaker in a transport firm. Due to financial challenges, Rohit lived with his grandparents and visited his parents only during weekends. Rohit showed an early interest in cricket and was supported by his uncle, who helped him join a cricket camp. Under the guidance of coach Dinesh Lad, Rohit’s talent was nurtured, and he received a scholarship to attend Swami Vivekanand International School, where Lad coached.
International Career
ODI Debut
Rohit made his ODI debut for India in 2007 against Ireland. Though his initial journey was inconsistent, he found his rhythm after being promoted to the opening slot in 2013.
Rise as an Opener
The turning point in Rohit’s career came during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he opened the innings and never looked back. Since then, he has scored multiple double centuries in ODIs, including the highest individual score of 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014.
Test Journey
Rohit’s Test debut came in 2013 against West Indies, where he scored two centuries in his first two matches. Though he faced challenges early in his Test career, he made a strong comeback as an opener in 2019, scoring heavily at home.
T20 Excellence
Rohit is one of the most successful T20 batsmen in the world. He is the first player to score four T20I centuries and has played a crucial role in India’s T20 success over the years.
IPL Captaincy
Rohit Sharma is the most successful captain in IPL history, having led Mumbai Indians (MI) to five IPL titles. He took over as India’s full-time captain across formats in 2022, bringing a calm and tactical approach to the leadership role.
Key Career Highlights
- Only cricketer to score 3 double centuries in ODIs
- World record holder for highest individual ODI score: 264
- Scored 5 centuries in a single World Cup (2019) – most by any player
- Led India to the Asia Cup title (2018) as captain
- First Indian to score 4 centuries in T20Is
- Won IPL 5 times as captain of Mumbai Indians
Career Stats
Test Matches | ODIs | T20Is | IPL |
Matches: 59 | Matches: 262 | Matches: 151 | Matches: 247 |
Runs: 4,166 | Runs: 10,709 | Runs: 3,974 | Runs: 6,265 |
Average: 45.2 | Average: 48.7 | Average: 31.6 | Average: 30.1 |
100s/50s: 11/16 | 100s/50s: 31/53 | 100s/50s: 4/29 | 100s/50s: 1/42 |
Highest Score: 212 | Highest Score: 264 | Highest Score: 118 | Strike Rate: 131+ |
Major Records and Achievements
- Only player with three double centuries in ODIs.
- Highest individual ODI score – 264 runs.
- Fastest T20I century by an Indian – off 35 balls.
- Most IPL titles as a captain – 5 titles with Mumbai Indians.
- First Indian to score centuries in all formats as an opener.
Personal Life
Rohit married Ritika Sajdeh in 2015. The couple has a daughter named Samaira, born in 2018. He is also an active animal lover and supports wildlife conservation, especially for the protection of rhinos and tigers.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Rohit Gurunath Sharma |
Date of Birth | April 30, 1987 |
Place of Birth | Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Religion | Hinduism |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Father’s Name | Gurunath Sharma (Transport firm caretaker) |
Mother’s Name | Purnima Sharma (Homemaker) |
Siblings | Vishal Sharma (Younger brother) |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife’s Name | Ritika Sajdeh |
Marriage Date | December 13, 2015 |
Children | Samaira Sharma (Daughter, born in 2018) |
Education | Swami Vivekanand International School |
Hobbies | Watching movies, traveling, wildlife photography, video games |
Languages Known | Hindi, English, Marathi |
Pet Lover | Yes (Has dogs and supports animal welfare) |
Social Media | @rohitsharma45 (Instagram & Twitter) |
Awards and Honors
Year | Award |
---|---|
2015 | Arjuna Award |
2020 | Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award |
2019 | ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year |
2014 | ESPNcricinfo’s ODI Batting Performance of the Year |
Multiple Years | ICC Team of the Year (ODI & T20I formats) |
Interesting Facts About Rohit Sharma
- Speaks fluent Hindi, English, and Marathi.
- First cricketer to score a T20I century at Dharamsala.
- Known as the “Six-Hitting Machine” — over 500 sixes across all formats.
- Loves playing video games and watching football (Real Madrid fan).
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s journey from a small town in Maharashtra to becoming a global cricket icon is nothing short of inspirational. Known for his composure, elegance, and consistency, Rohit has earned the love and respect of cricket fans worldwide. Whether as a batsman, leader, or mentor, Rohit Sharma’s biography continues to inspire aspiring cricketers across the globe.