Rohit Gurunath Sharma, fondly known as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, is a name synonymous with elegance, power, and leadership in modern cricket. Born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, Rohit has risen from modest roots to become one of the most prolific batsmen and successful captains in international cricket. As of April 5, 2025, his career is a testament to resilience, talent, and an unwavering passion for the game. This biography delves into his life, exploring his early struggles, cricketing journey, monumental achievements, and the legacy he continues to build.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Rohit Sharma’s story begins in a middle-class Telugu-Marathi-speaking family. His father, Gurunath Sharma, worked as a caretaker in a transport firm’s storehouse, while his mother, Purnima Sharma, hailed from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Financial constraints shaped much of Rohit’s childhood. With his father’s meager income insufficient to support the family comfortably, Rohit and his younger brother, Vishal, were raised primarily by their grandparents and uncles in Borivali, a suburb of Mumbai. He would visit his parents, who lived in a single-room house in Dombivli, only on weekends.
From a young age, Rohit displayed an affinity for cricket. At eight years old, in 1999, his uncle provided the funds for him to join a local cricket camp, marking the first step in his cricketing journey. His talent was evident even then, but resources were scarce. His coach at the camp, Dinesh Lad, recognized his potential and played a pivotal role in his development. Lad, who coached at Swami Vivekanand International School, encouraged Rohit to switch schools for better cricketing facilities. When Rohit expressed his inability to afford the fees, Lad secured him a four-year scholarship, allowing him to train without financial burden. This act of kindness laid the foundation for Rohit’s future success.
Initially, Rohit bowled off-spin, but Lad saw promise in his batting. He promoted Rohit from number eight to open the innings in school matches, a decision that proved transformative. In his debut as an opener in the Harris and Giles Shield school tournaments, Rohit scored a century, signaling the arrival of a prodigious talent.
Domestic Cricket and Early Recognition
Rohit’s domestic career began in earnest in March 2005 when he made his List A debut for West Zone against Central Zone in the Deodhar Trophy. Batting at number eight, he scored an unbeaten 31, contributing to a three-wicket victory. His breakthrough came later that year in the same tournament, when he smashed an unbeaten 142 off 123 balls against North Zone in Udaipur. This innings showcased his flair and cemented his reputation in domestic circles.
In July 2006, Rohit debuted for India A against New Zealand A in a first-class match in Darwin, scoring 57 and 22 in his two innings. That same year, he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai against Gujarat, scoring 205 off 267 balls—an early indication of his appetite for big scores. His crowning moment in domestic cricket came in December 2009, when he scored an unbeaten 309 against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy, a career-high that underscored his potential as a future star.
International Debut and Initial Struggles
Rohit’s international career began in 2007. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Ireland on June 23, 2007, though he didn’t get a chance to bat. His Twenty20 International (T20I) debut followed during the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa. Called up as a last-minute replacement for the injured Yuvraj Singh, Rohit seized the opportunity. In a must-win Super Eight match against South Africa, he scored an unbeaten 50 off 40 balls, steering India to victory and earning widespread acclaim. He also played a cameo of 30 not out in the final against Pakistan, helping India clinch the title.
Despite this promising start, Rohit’s early international career was marked by inconsistency. His elegant stroke play won him fans, but his tendency to throw away starts frustrated critics. Between 2007 and 2011, he struggled to secure a permanent spot in the Indian team, missing out on the 2011 ODI World Cup squad—a low point in his career. However, his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) kept him in the selectors’ sights.
The IPL and Rise to Prominence
Rohit’s IPL journey began in 2008 with the Deccan Chargers, where he played a key role in their 2009 title win. In 2011, he joined the Mumbai Indians (MI), and in 2013, he was appointed captain. His first season as skipper was a triumph, leading MI to their maiden IPL title. Under his leadership, MI won five titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020), making him the joint-most successful captain in IPL history alongside MS Dhoni. As of March 2025, Rohit has played 259 IPL matches, amassing 6,636 runs, including two centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 109 against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012.
The IPL provided Rohit a platform to hone his skills and leadership, keeping him relevant during his international struggles. His success in the league paved the way for a dramatic turnaround in his India career.
The Turning Point: Opening the Batting
In 2013, MS Dhoni, then India’s captain, made a game-changing decision to promote Rohit to open the batting in ODIs during the ICC Champions Trophy in England. The move proved a masterstroke. Rohit thrived at the top, forming a formidable partnership with Shikhar Dhawan. His elegant 177 in the tournament helped India clinch the title, cementing his place as an opener. This shift unleashed his full potential, transforming him into a white-ball colossus.
On November 13, 2014, Rohit made history by scoring 264 against Sri Lanka in an ODI at Kolkata—the highest individual score in the format. He became the first player to score two ODI double centuries, a feat he repeated in 2017 against Sri Lanka (208 not out) and in 2018 against the West Indies (162). His ability to convert starts into monumental scores redefined his legacy.
Test Cricket and All-Format Stardom
Rohit’s Test debut came later, on November 6, 2013, against West Indies in Kolkata, where he scored 177. Initially a middle-order batsman, he faced challenges adapting to red-ball cricket. However, in 2019, he was promoted to open in Tests, and the results were immediate. In his first series as an opener against South Africa, he scored three centuries, including a double hundred, silencing doubters about his Test credentials.
By April 2025, Rohit has established himself as India’s Test captain, leading with a blend of aggression and composure. Despite a historic home Test series whitewash against New Zealand in late 2024, his leadership remains a cornerstone of India’s red-ball aspirations.
Captaincy and T20 World Cup Glory
Rohit assumed India’s white-ball captaincy in late 2021 after Virat Kohli stepped down, and in 2022, he became the all-format skipper. His crowning achievement came on June 29, 2024, when he led India to their second T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa in the final in Barbados. During the tournament, he became the first batter to hit 200 sixes in T20Is and retired from the format post-victory, leaving behind a record of 49 wins as T20I captain—the most by an Indian.
In ODIs, he has led India with distinction, notably becoming the second-fastest to 11,000 runs (261 innings) in February 2025 during the ICC Champions Trophy. His five centuries in the 2019 ODI World Cup remain a tournament record.
Personal Life and Beyond Cricket
Rohit married Ritika Sajdeh, a sports manager, on December 13, 2015, after meeting her in 2008 during a brand shoot. They have two children: daughter Samaira, born in 2018, and son Ahaan, born in November 2024. An eggetarian, Rohit practices Sahaj Marg meditation and is an ardent supporter of animal welfare, serving as WWF-India’s Rhino Ambassador and collaborating with PETA.
His endorsements include brands like CEAT, Hublot, Adidas, and Oppo, reflecting his global appeal. Off the field, Rohit’s humility and humor endear him to fans, while his on-field exploits inspire a generation.
Legacy and Records
Rohit’s career is studded with records: the only player with three ODI double centuries, the highest ODI score (264), five T20I centuries (joint-most), and 600 international sixes as of June 2024. He has won two T20 World Cups (2007 as a player, 2024 as captain), the 2013 Champions Trophy, and received the Arjuna Award (2015) and Khel Ratna (2020).
