Rohit Sharma Biography: The Making of a Champion
Rohit Sharma is not just a cricketer. He is an inspiration for millions. From humble beginnings to leading the Indian cricket team to world titles, his journey is a perfect…
Early Life and Background
Born on 30 April 1987 in Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Rohit Gurunath Sharma comes from a humble Telugu-Marathi speaking family. His father, Gurunath Sharma, worked as a storehouse caretaker for a transport firm, while his mother, Purnima Sharma, hails from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Due to financial constraints, Rohit was raised primarily by his grandparents and uncles in Borivali, Mumbai, and would visit his parents on weekends. He has one younger brother, Vishal Sharma, with whom he shares a close bond.
Rohit’s cricketing journey began in 1999 when he enrolled in a local cricket camp. His talent caught the eye of coach Dinesh Lad, who mentored him and arranged a cricket scholarship at Swami Vivekanand International School, where better training facilities were available. Originally a lower-order batsman, Rohit was promoted to the top order after Lad saw his natural stroke play. This move proved pivotal, as Rohit soon started to make headlines with consistent performances, including a century in the prestigious Harris-Giles Shield school-level tournament. His early success and composed batting style laid the foundation for what would become a stellar cricketing career.
Personal Life
Rohit Sharma, fondly called the “Hitman,” leads a warm and family-oriented personal life. He married his longtime friend and manager Ritika Sajdeh on 13 December 2015 in a private ceremony attended by close friends and fellow cricketers. Ritika has been a constant support system in his life, both professionally and personally.
The couple was blessed with their first child, a daughter named Samaira, on 30 December 2018. Rohit often shares heartwarming moments with her on social media and credits fatherhood as a life-changing experience. In November 2024, they welcomed their second child, a baby boy, bringing even more joy to their family.
Hobbies & Lifestyle
Nicknamed the “Hitman,” Rohit revels in aggressive, elegant stroke play. In his free time, Rohit enjoys traveling, especially to quiet, nature-filled destinations. He practices Sahaj Marg meditation, which helps him maintain mental clarity and emotional balance amidst the demands of international cricket. Rohit is also a fan of old Hindi music, enjoys watching football—particularly Real Madrid—and has a great sense of humor that makes him popular among teammates.
Fitness & Health
Known for athleticism, Rohit adopted fitness routines to support peak performance across formats. His consistent form and ability to play long innings reflect his disciplined training regime.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Rohit is also deeply passionate about wildlife conservation and has actively supported campaigns against poaching and animal cruelty. He serves as the Rhino Ambassador for WWF-India and works with organizations like PETA to raise awareness about protecting endangered species. His love for dogs is well-known, and he often shares glimpses of his pets on social media.
Domestic & Clubs
| Team | Years | Format/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| West Zone | 2005 (Deodhar) | List A debut; scored 142 off 123 vs North Zone |
| Mumbai (Ranji) | 2006–present | Double century (205) vs Gujarat; highest score 309* in Dec 2009 |
IPL Career
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Deccan Chargers (2008–2010): vice‑captain; IPL title in 2009
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Mumbai Indians (2011–present):
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Captain from 2013–2023; led MI to 5 IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)
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Scored two IPL centuries: 109* (2012) and 105* (2024)
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Scored 7,046 runs, one of seven to cross 5,000 IPL runs
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Captaincy record: 87 wins in 158 matches, second-most successful behind MS Dhoni
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International Career
| Format | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s/50s | Top Score | Debut | Last Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 67 | 4,301 | 40.57 | 12 / 18 | 212 | Nov 2013 vs WI | Dec 2024 vs AUS |
| ODI | 273 | 11,168 | 48.76 | 32 / 58 | 264 | Jun 2007 vs IRE | Mar 2025 vs NZ |
| T20I | 159 | 4,231 | 32.05 | 5 / 32 | 121* | Sep 2007 vs ENG | Jun 2024 vs SA |
Test Career Highlight
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Debut: 177 at Eden Gardens Nov 2013, followed by 111* at Wankhede
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Scored maiden Test double-century (212 vs South Africa) Oct 2019
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Appointed Test captain in Feb 2022; led India to WTC final 2023
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Retired from Tests on 7 May 2025 (67 Tests, 4,301 runs at 40.57)
ODI Career Highlight
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Joined ODI squad June 2007 vs Ireland
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Breakout: 114 vs Zimbabwe May 2010
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Broke world record with 264 vs Sri Lanka Nov 2014
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Won Golden Bat in 2019 World Cup with 648 runs (5 centuries)
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Fast – crossed 11,000 ODI runs by Feb 2025
T20I Career Highlight
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Part of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad; scored 50* vs South Africa
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Second fastest to 2,000 T20I runs in Jul 2018
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Recorded five T20I centuries by Nov 2018
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Led India to Nidahas Trophy 2018 win
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Retired from T20Is after 2024 World Cup triumph
T20I and Test Retirement
Rohit Sharma retired from T20 Internationals after helping India win the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending his career as one of the best in the format. A few months later, on May 7, 2025, he also announced his retirement from Test cricket after playing a home series against Australia. With many memorable innings as a Test opener and a strong T20I legacy, Rohit ended both careers on a high note. These retirements allowed him to spend more time with his family and explore new roles beyond playing.
Records & Achievements
Test Cricket
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Second Indian debut century (177)
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First opener with twin hundreds on Test opening as a specialist opener
ODI Records
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Highest-ever ODI score (264)
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Only player with three ODI double centuries
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Most centuries in a single World Cup (5 in 2019)
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Holds most international sixes across formats
T20I & IPL
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Joint-most T20I centuries (5)
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Most Player-of-Match awards in IPL (19)
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Led IPL-winning MI five times, equaling most for any captain
Awards & Honors
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Arjuna Award, 2015
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ICC ODI Player of the Year, 2019
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Khel Ratna Award, 2020