Role: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Handed Bat
Bowling Style: Right-arm offbreak
Country: India
Team: Mumbai Indians
Player profile for Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is one of the most celebrated cricketers in India, known for his elegant batting and ability to play match-winning knocks. He is regarded as one of the finest limited-overs batsmen in the world and holds numerous records in international cricket. Here’s a comprehensive look at his career and achievements:
Full Name:
Rohit Gurunath Sharma
Date of Birth:
April 30, 1987
Place of Birth:
Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Height:
5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
Batting Style:
Right-handed
Bowling Style:
Right-arm off-break (occasional)
Role:
Opening Batsman (primarily), occasional bowler
Nickname:
Hitman
Domestic and IPL Teams:
- Mumbai Indians (MI) (Indian Premier League)
- Mumbai (Domestic Cricket)
International Debut:
- ODI Debut: June 23, 2007, against Ireland
- T20I Debut: December 19, 2007, against England
- Test Debut: November 6, 2013, against West Indies
Career Highlights and Records:
1. ODI Career:
- Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful opening batsmen in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His ability to score big hundreds in ODIs has made him a prominent figure in the cricketing world.
- Key Records:
- Most Double Centuries in ODIs: Rohit Sharma holds the record for the most double centuries (3) in ODIs, with the most notable one being his 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014, which is the highest individual score in an ODI match.
- ODI Century Record: He has over 40 centuries in ODIs, placing him among the top 5 batsmen with the most centuries in the format.
- ICC Champions Trophy (2013): Rohit was part of the Indian team that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, where he played a vital role as an opener.
2. T20I Career:
- Rohit Sharma is also one of the most successful batsmen in T20 internationals, often seen as a game-changer in the shortest format of the game.
- T20I Records:
- Most Runs in T20Is: Rohit Sharma holds the record for the most runs scored in T20 internationals by an Indian batsman.
- He was instrumental in India’s victory in the 2018 Asia Cup, where he led the team to a title win.
3. Test Career:
- Although more famous for his performances in limited-overs formats, Rohit Sharma has made significant contributions in Test cricket as well.
- Test Success:
- He was initially not considered a permanent fixture in India’s Test team but cemented his place after a stellar 2019-2020 series against South Africa, where he scored back-to-back centuries in his debut series as an opener.
- Rohit has since been one of the most reliable Test openers for India.
Batting Style and Skills:
- Rohit Sharma is known for his elegance and composure at the crease. His ability to time the ball effortlessly and his wide range of shots, including the famous “cover drive,” makes him one of the most aesthetically pleasing batsmen in modern cricket.
- Key Strengths:
- Classical Stroke Play: Rohit is known for his textbook stroke play, particularly his ability to drive the ball through the covers with finesse.
- Big Scores in ODIs: His ability to score big centuries, particularly double centuries in ODIs, has set him apart from many other batsmen in the format.
- Adaptability in Formats: He can seamlessly adapt his game for Test cricket, T20s, and ODIs, showing his versatility.
- Mentoring Role: As the captain of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rohit has demonstrated his leadership qualities, leading the team to multiple IPL titles.
Captaincy:
- Rohit Sharma took over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL in 2013, and under his leadership, MI has become one of the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history, winning five titles (as of 2023).
- Indian National Team Captaincy:
- Rohit Sharma also captained India in various matches, particularly in limited-overs formats like T20Is and ODIs.
- As captain, he has been praised for his calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and ability to bring out the best in his players.
IPL Career:
- Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful captains in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he plays for Mumbai Indians (MI).
- He has led MI to five IPL titles, making them the most successful franchise in IPL history.
- As a batsman, he has been consistent, often opening the innings for Mumbai, and his match-winning performances have been a crucial factor in MI’s success.
Key Achievements:
- ICC Champions Trophy (2013): Winner with India
- Asia Cup (2018): Winner as captain of India
- ODI World Cup (2019): Rohit Sharma was the top run-scorer of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup with five centuries.
- Highest Individual Score in ODIs (264 runs against Sri Lanka, 2014).
- Multiple IPL Titles: 5-time winner with Mumbai Indians (MI).
Personal Life:
- Rohit Sharma married Ritika Sajdeh in December 2015. They have a daughter, Samaira, born in December 2018.
- Off the field, Rohit is known for his philanthropic work and his passion for sports. He is also actively involved in several charity initiatives.
Challenges and Setbacks:
- Rohit Sharma’s journey has not been without challenges. He had to work hard to cement his place in the national team, especially in the Test format, and faced several injuries over the years.
- There were also debates about his consistency in Test cricket initially, but he has proven himself to be an invaluable asset to India, especially in recent years.
Future Outlook:
- Rohit Sharma’s legacy is already well-established as one of India’s greatest modern-day cricketers. He is expected to continue leading India, especially in limited-overs cricket, for years to come.
- With his remarkable record in the IPL, ODI cricket, and his growing stature in Test cricket, Rohit Sharma has the potential to break even more records and add to his already impressive list of accomplishments.
Conclusion:
Rohit Sharma is undoubtedly one of the best batsmen of the current generation. His ability to score big hundreds, his leadership qualities, and his calm approach to pressure situations have made him a standout player for India and Mumbai Indians. Whether it’s his stunning double centuries in ODIs or his successful tenure as the captain of MI, Rohit Sharma continues to be one of the most influential figures in modern cricket.