Rohit Sharma Biography | The Hitman of Indian Cricket | life, career, captaincy, and records | usman on cricket

Early Life and Family Background

Full Name: Rohit Gurunath Sharma
Date of Birth: April 30, 1987
Place of Birth: Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Nicknames: Hitman, Ro, Shaana
Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.74 m)
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
Role: Opening Batter

Rohit Sharma was born in a humble family. His father, Gurunath Sharma, worked as a caretaker in a transport firm’s storehouse, while his mother, Purnima Sharma, is from Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). Due to financial struggles, Rohit was raised by his grandparents and uncles in Borivali, Mumbai.

He started playing cricket at a young age and was noticed by coach Dinesh Lad at a cricket camp. Lad was instrumental in shaping Rohit’s early career and even offered him a scholarship at Swami Vivekanand International School, where his cricket journey truly began.

Personal Life

Rohit married his long-time girlfriend Ritika Sajdeh (sports manager and cousin of cricketer Yuvraj Singh) on December 13, 2015.
They have a daughter, Samaira Sharma, born in 2018. Rohit is known for being a family-oriented person, often dedicating his milestones to his wife and daughter.

International Cricket Career

Debut

Rohit Sharma’s rise to stardom wasn’t immediate. After his ODI debut in 2007, he had moments of brilliance but lacked consistency early on. However, after being promoted to open the innings in 2013, his career transformed dramatically.

Batting Career Stats (as of 2025)

Highlights:

• Only batsman in the world with three double centuries in ODIs.
• World record holder for highest individual ODI score – 264 vs Sri Lanka (2014).
• First cricketer to score 5 T20I centuries.
• Member of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad (2007) and ICC Champions Trophy (2013).
• Captain of Indian winning team ICC T20 WORLD CUP 2024.
• Captain of Indian winning team ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025.

Test Cricket Evolution

Although Rohit started as a middle-order batsman, his real Test success came after becoming an opener in 2019. Since then, he has scored centuries against top nations like England, Australia, and South Africa — including a memorable 212 against South Africa at Ranchi.

India Captaincy Record

Rohit Sharma became India’s full-time captain in all formats in 2022 after Virat Kohli stepped down.

As Captain (All Formats)

Achievements as Captain:

• Led India to the Asia Cup title (2023).
• Guided India to the 2023 World Cup Final (unbeaten till final).
• Won Nidahas Trophy (2018) and multiple bilateral series across formats.
• Captained India to series wins in England, West Indies, and New Zealand.
• Known for his calm, tactical leadership style — similar to MS Dhoni.

IPL Career Overview

Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
IPL Debut: 2008 (for Deccan Chargers)
Captain (Mumbai Indians): Since 2013

IPL Stats (up to 2025)

IPL Captaincy Record (Mumbai Indians)

Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, Mumbai Indians became the most successful franchise in IPL history, with 5 championships — a record later matched by Chennai Super Kings (under MS Dhoni).

Major Records & Achievements

• Only player with three ODI double centuries (209, 264, 208*).
• Fastest T20I century by an Indian (off 35 balls vs Sri Lanka).
• Most sixes in international cricket (across formats, surpassing Gayle in 2023).
• Most T20I appearances for India.
• ICC Awards:
  • ODI Cricketer of the Year (2019)
  • ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year (multiple years)
  • Arjuna Award (2015)
  • Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2020)

Playing Style and Legacy

Rohit Sharma is widely regarded as one of the most elegant stroke-makers in world cricket. His effortless timing, pull shots, and ability to accelerate make him a nightmare for bowlers in white-ball cricket.

Known as “The Hitman”, Rohit has a unique combination of patience and explosiveness — a rare mix that defines modern cricket batting.

Off the field, he’s admired for his calm demeanor and charitable involvement in wildlife conservation, especially protecting rhinos and endangered species.

Rohit Sharma’s Career Summary Table

FAQs About Rohit Sharma