Happy Birthday Rohit Sharma: A look at the Indian captain’s glittering career as ‘Hitman’ turns 37

The cricketing world celebrates Rohit Sharma’s 37th birthday today. A prolific batter and an astute captain, Rohit’s name is synonymous with elegance, power, and leadership.

Widely regarded as one of his generation’s finest, Rohit’s prowess truly shines in white-ball cricket. His strokeplay is a sight to behold – classy, measured, yet explosive and he possesses an unmatched calmness under pressure, captivating fans whether wielding the willow or leading from the front.

The fearsome pull shot is his signature weapon, particularly during the powerplay overs. But Rohit’s adaptability is his true strength. He transforms seamlessly into a patient accumulator in Test matches, making him a true all-format great. As Rohit turns a year older, let’s delve into the remarkable journey of this modern-day great.

Rohit’s international debut in 2007 marked the beginning of a glorious career. His first significant impact came at the ICC T20 World Cup that same year. An unbeaten 30 off just 16 balls in the final against arch-rivals Pakistan, following an earlier fifty against South Africa, announced his arrival on the big stage. This young talent with a baby face possessed immense potential.

For the next six years, Rohit primarily featured in the middle-order. However, the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy proved to be a turning point. Partnering with Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order, he amassed 177 runs at an average of 35.40, including two crucial fifties, in India’s victorious campaign. This shift unlocked a new dimension to his batting.

The role of an opener unleashed Rohit’s true potential. In ODIs, he has amassed a staggering 10,709 runs in 262 matches at a phenomenal average of 49.12. His record-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka stands tall as the highest individual score in ODI history. He has notched up a staggering 31 centuries and 55 fifties, solidifying his place among the batting elite. Remarkably, he sits as the 15th highest run-scorer in ODIs overall and the sixth-highest amongst Indians, only behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

Rohit’s brilliance extends beyond limited-overs cricket. Despite a slow start, he established himself as a dependable opener in Test matches as well, scoring 4137 runs at an average of 45.46 in 59 matches. His technique and temperament at the crease have been instrumental in India’s success in the longer format.

The IPL and India behemoth

Rohit’s leadership qualities have shone brightly in the T20 arena. He holds the record for winning the most IPL titles (6), leading the Mumbai Indians to an unprecedented five championships, and clinching one with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. With 6522 runs, he’s also the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, a reflection of consistency across formats. Fans fondly call him the ‘Hitman,’ a testament to his ability to single-handedly dismantle bowling attacks.

The 2023 ODI World Cup witnessed another masterclass from Rohit. He finished as the second-highest run scorer with a phenomenal 597 runs, proving his dominance on the biggest stage. Currently, Rohit is playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 and even though he is no longer the captain, the veteran continues to don the leadership hat at MI, inspiring his teammates with his experience and skill.

Rohit’s cricketing journey is far from over. As he celebrates another year, his legacy as a batting great and inspiring captain is already firmly cemented. His ability to adapt, dominate, and lead makes him a true legend of the game. The cricketing world eagerly awaits his next chapter, filled with the promise of more records, more moments of sheer brilliance and most importantly – more trophies, starting with the T20 World Cup as Rohit gets ready to lead India in his third ICC tournament, really hoping to end the 11-year-long jinx.