Rohit Sharma (full name – Rohit Gurunath Sharma, born 30 April 1987) is an Indian international cricketer and captain of the India national team in limited-overs formats. He is a right-handed opening batsman and an occasional right-arm off-break bowler. Sharma represents India in international cricket, plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket, and has captained the Mumbai Indians franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
He is known for his performances as an opening batsman in limited-overs cricket and holds multiple records in One Day Internationals (ODIs), including the highest individual score.
📊 Career Highlights
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rohit Gurunath Sharma |
| Born | 30 April 1987 |
| Birthplace | Nagpur, Maharashtra, India |
| Spouse | Ritika Sajdeh |
| Role | Opening Batsman |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| International Debut | T20I: 2007 vs England |
| ODI Debut | 2007 vs Ireland |
| Test Debut | 2013 vs West Indies |
| ODI Centuries | 30+ centuries |
| T20I Centuries | Multiple centuries |
| IPL Team | Mumbai Indians |
| Captaincy | India (limited-overs), Mumbai Indians |
| Notable Records | Highest ODI score (264), 3 double centuries |
| Jersey Number | 45 |
Rohit Sharma is regarded as one of the leading batsmen of his generation in limited-overs cricket. He has played a key role in India’s success in ICC tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, where he scored five centuries. As captain of the Mumbai Indians, he led the team to multiple IPL titles, making it one of the most successful franchises in the league. His ability to convert starts into large scores and his record-breaking innings have contributed significantly to India’s batting strength across formats.
Early Life and Background
Rohit Sharma was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and raised in Mumbai. He comes from a Telugu-speaking family. Due to financial constraints, he was brought up by his grandparents and relatives in Borivali.
He attended Swami Vivekanand International School in Mumbai, where his cricketing potential was recognized. Under the guidance of coach Dinesh Lad, Sharma began formal cricket training. Initially starting as an off-spinner, he later developed into a specialist batsman.
He represented Mumbai at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels, where his performances led to his selection in domestic cricket.
Domestic Career
Rohit Sharma made his domestic debut for Mumbai in the 2006–07 season. He played in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments such as the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy.
He gained attention after scoring an unbeaten 142 in the North Zone vs West Zone match in the Deodhar Trophy. His consistent performances in domestic cricket established him as a promising batsman.
Sharma has continued to represent Mumbai in domestic competitions and has contributed with key performances across formats.
International Career
Test Career
Rohit Sharma made his Test debut in 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where he scored 177 runs. He followed it with 111 in his next match.
After fluctuating form in the middle order, he was promoted as an opening batsman in Tests in 2019. This move proved effective, and he scored a double century (212) against South Africa.
ODI Career
Rohit Sharma made his ODI debut in 2007 against Ireland. He initially played as a middle-order batsman before becoming a regular opener in 2013.
He holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs (264 against Sri Lanka in 2014). Sharma is also the only player to score three double centuries in ODI cricket.
He was a key performer in multiple ICC tournaments, particularly the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
T20I Career
Sharma was part of the Indian squad that won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 2007.
He has been a regular member of India’s T20I side and has scored multiple centuries in the format. Known for his aggressive batting, he has contributed to several match-winning performances.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Rohit Sharma began his IPL career with the Deccan Chargers in 2008. He later joined the Mumbai Indians in 2011.
As captain of Mumbai Indians, he led the team to multiple IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020). Under his leadership, the franchise became one of the most successful teams in IPL history.
He has consistently been among the top run-scorers for the team and has played crucial innings in playoff matches.
Playing Style
Rohit Sharma is a right-handed batsman known for his timing and ability to play long innings. He is particularly strong in front-foot shots such as drives and pulls.
He is effective against both pace and spin bowling and is known for accelerating his scoring rate after settling in. His batting style emphasizes placement and timing over power.
Compared with contemporaries such as Virat Kohli, Sharma is noted for his ability to score large individual innings, especially in ODIs.
Records and Achievements
- Highest individual score in ODI cricket (264)
- Only player with three double centuries in ODIs
- Five centuries in a single edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup
- Multiple IPL titles as captain of Mumbai Indians
- Among the leading run-scorers for India in international cricket
- Multiple centuries across all formats
- Consistent performer in ICC tournaments
Personal Life
Rohit Sharma married Ritika Sajdeh in 2015. The couple has a daughter.
He is known to be involved in wildlife conservation efforts and has supported campaigns related to animal protection.
Awards and Honours
- Arjuna Award (2015)
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2020)
- ICC ODI Player of the Year (2019)
- Multiple Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards
