Full Name & Nickname
Full Name: Rohit Gurunath Sharma
Nicknames: Hitman, Ro
Rohit Sharma, widely known as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, is one of the most elegant and explosive right-handed opening batsmen in the history of the sport. His calm demeanor and consistent performances, especially in limited-overs cricket, have made him a household name not just in India but globally.
Date of Birth & Age
Date of Birth: April 30, 1987
Age (as of June 2025): 38 years
Place of Birth
Place: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Though born in Nagpur, Rohit grew up in the suburbs of Mumbai, where his cricketing journey began.
Nationality
Indian
Playing Role
Primary Role: Opening Batsman
Secondary Role: Occasional Off-break Bowler
Captaincy: Former captain of the Indian ODI and Test teams, current senior player and mentor
Batting and Bowling Style
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break (occasional)
International Debut
| Format | Debut Match | DATE |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | India vs Ireland | June 23, 2007 |
| T20I | India vs England | September 19, 2007 |
| Test | India vs West Indies | November 6, 2013 |
Rohit Sharma made a stunning entry into international cricket and gradually became a mainstay in all three formats. Initially, he struggled to cement his place due to stiff competition and inconsistency, but his immense potential was always evident. The turning point in his career came when he was promoted to open the innings in ODIs in 2013, a decision that redefined his career.
Major Achievements & Records
Rohit Sharma’s cricketing career is studded with milestones that many cricketers only dream of. Below are some of his most notable records:
- Three Double Centuries in ODIs: The only player to score three double hundreds in One-Day Internationals (209, 264, 208*).
- Highest Individual Score in ODIs: 264 vs Sri Lanka, Eden Gardens, Kolkata (2014).
- Five Centuries in a Single World Cup: A world record during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- Four T20I Centuries: First male cricketer to achieve this feat.
- Over 10,000 ODI runs: Among the few Indian players to achieve this.
- Captaincy Success: Led India to the Asia Cup title in 2023 and guided India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
- Multiple IPL Championships: Five titles as captain of Mumbai Indians.
- Consistent ICC Rankings: Ranked among the top 5 ODI batsmen globally for several years.
- Fastest T20I Century by an Indian: Scored off just 35 balls against Sri Lanka.
- Most Sixes in International Cricket for India: Surpassed MS Dhoni’s record.
- Second Most Centuries for India in ODIs: Only behind Sachin Tendulkar.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Team & Performance
Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
Seasons Active: 2008 – Present (Deccan Chargers in 2008–2010, MI from 2011 onwards)
IPL Captaincy
Rohit took over the captaincy of MI in 2013 and transformed the team into one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. His calm leadership, ability to back young talent, and consistent performances made him a favorite among fans and teammates alike. Under his guidance, MI built a legacy based on performance, discipline, and youth development.
IPL Achievements
- 5 IPL Titles as Captain: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020
- Most Successful IPL Captain (jointly with MS Dhoni)
- 6,200+ IPL runs
- One IPL Century (109)*
- Numerous Match-Winning Knocks
- Mentored Young Players: Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan
- Consistent Playoffs Appearances: Played in over 9 IPL playoff seasons
Career Statistics (as of June 2025)
Test Cricket
- Matches: 62
- Runs: 4,450+
- Batting Average: ~45.5
- Centuries: 10
- Highest Score: 212
- Half-Centuries: 15
- Catches: 50+
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Matches: 265+
- Runs: 10,400+
- Batting Average: ~49.5
- Centuries: 33+
- Half-Centuries: 50+
- Highest Score: 264
- Strike Rate: 89+
T20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Matches: 148
- Runs: 4,150+
- Batting Average: ~32
- Centuries: 4
- Fifties: 30+
- Highest Score: 118
- Strike Rate: 139+
Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Matches: 250+
- Runs: 6,250+
- Batting Average: ~30
- Centuries: 1
- Fifties: 40+
- Highest Score: 109*
Early Life and Background
Rohit Sharma was born into a modest family. His father, Gurunath Sharma, worked as a caretaker in a transport firm’s warehouse. Due to financial constraints, Rohit was raised by his grandparents and uncles in Borivali, Mumbai. His journey from these humble beginnings to global stardom is truly inspirational.
He began his cricketing journey in 1999 when he joined a cricket camp in Borivali. His coach, Dinesh Lad, immediately recognized Rohit’s natural talent. Seeing potential in his batting, Lad insisted Rohit move to Swami Vivekanand International School, where he had better training facilities.
Interestingly, Rohit started as an off-spinner, and his bowling skills were noteworthy. It was only when a regular batsman failed to turn up during a school match that Rohit was promoted up the order. The innings he played that day as an opener convinced his coach and himself that batting was his real calling.
He represented India at the U-19 level and was part of the squad that played in the U-19 World Cup in 2006, where his performances further strengthened his case for the national team.
Personal Life
Family
- Father: Gurunath Sharma (passed away)
- Mother: Purnima Sharma
- Wife: Ritika Sajdeh (sports manager)
- Daughter: Samaira Sharma (born 2018)
Rohit married Ritika Sajdeh in December 2015 after a long relationship. Ritika has been a constant support in his life and is frequently seen cheering for him from the stands. Their daughter Samaira has often been part of his social media updates and is adored by fans.
Education
- Swami Vivekanand International School, Mumbai
- Limited formal education due to early cricket commitments
Interests and Lifestyle
- Wildlife photography and animal conservation advocate
- Brand ambassador for Rhino conservation campaigns
- Travels extensively during the off-season
- Enjoys watching football and is a fan of Real Madrid
- Actively promotes fitness and mental health awareness
Social Media Handles
- Instagram: @rohitsharma45
- Twitter (X): @ImRo45
- Facebook: Rohit Sharma Official
Rohit is one of the most followed cricketers on social media with millions of followers. He frequently shares insights into his personal life, training routines, and charitable work.
Awards and Recognitions
- Arjuna Award: 2015
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: 2020 (India’s highest sporting honor)
- ICC ODI Player of the Year: 2019
- Multiple ICC Team of the Year appearances
- ESPNcricinfo Awards: Multiple wins for Best ODI innings and performances
- CEAT International Cricketer of the Year: Several times
- Indian Sports Honours: Best Player (Team Sports)
- Maharashtra Gaurav Award: For contribution to sports
- Honorary Member of MCC: Inducted in 2024
Recent News or Career Updates (as of June 2025)
As of June 2025, Rohit Sharma continues to contribute significantly to Indian cricket, though he has taken on a more senior and mentoring role. He is being carefully managed by selectors and BCCI, mainly playing in ODIs and Tests, with focus on major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Champions Trophy 2025 Preparations
India’s preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan is underway, and Rohit Sharma remains a pivotal figure in the squad. With several young players in the mix, his experience and leadership are seen as vital to India’s hopes.
Speculations on Retirement
While there is growing speculation that Rohit might announce retirement from one or more formats after the Champions Trophy, no official statement has been made. Media circles are buzzing with the idea that he may continue only in Tests, similar to how MS Dhoni retired from Tests earlier in his career.
IPL 2025 Recap
In the IPL 2025 season, Rohit led Mumbai Indians to the playoffs, playing some crucial knocks and mentoring young talents like Tilak Varma, Dewald Brevis, and Arjun Tendulkar. Though MI didn’t win the trophy, Rohit’s leadership was widely appreciated.
Foundation & Charity Work
Rohit is also actively involved in cricket development programs, mentoring initiatives, and charitable causes through the “Rohit Sharma Foundation.” The foundation focuses on:
- Supporting underprivileged children through education
- Sponsoring grassroots cricket programs
- Wildlife conservation
- Health and nutrition awareness
