Rohit Sharma is not just known for his elegant sixes or his big scores—he’s a true symbol of how belief and talent can lead to greatness. From a middle-class family in Nagpur to becoming one of the most respected cricketers in the world, Rohit’s life story is both powerful and inspiring.
Where It All Began
Rohit Gurunath Sharma was born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, a small area in Nagpur, Maharashtra. His father worked as a transport firm caretaker, while his mother managed the household. Due to financial difficulties, young Rohit was raised by his grandparents in Borivali, Mumbai.
Even though the family didn’t have much, they gave Rohit the support he needed. In 1999, his uncle enrolled him in a local cricket camp. This small step turned out to be a game-changer.
Discovering His Talent
At the camp, coach Dinesh Lad quickly saw Rohit’s potential. Initially, Rohit bowled off-spin. But once Lad gave him a chance to open the batting, things changed. Rohit scored a century in his first inter-school match as an opener.
Lad then helped Rohit secure a scholarship at Swami Vivekanand International School so that he could train better. Rohit later joined Rizvi College but left it early to focus entirely on cricket.
Building Blocks: Domestic Cricket Success
Rohit’s domestic career began in March 2005 when he played for West Zone in the Deodhar Trophy. His 142* against North Zone made people notice him. Soon after, he joined the India A team and toured other countries.
Later that year, he debuted in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai. He scored 205 against Gujarat and helped Mumbai win the tournament. Then in 2009, he scored an unbeaten 309, which became one of the highest Ranji scores.
By 2013, Rohit had become the captain of the Mumbai team, a sign of his growing leadership.
Entering the Big Stage: India Debut
Rohit made his One-Day International (ODI) debut in 2007 against Ireland. A few months later, he was part of India’s squad for the first T20 World Cup in South Africa. His 50* against South Africa helped India reach the semi-finals, and India later won the cup.
However, despite a few good knocks, Rohit’s international career didn’t take off right away. He was dropped from the 2011 World Cup squad due to poor form. Yet, he never gave up.
New Role, New Chapter: Opening in ODIs
Everything changed in 2013 when MS Dhoni asked Rohit to open in ODIs. This decision changed Indian cricket. Rohit, along with Shikhar Dhawan, formed one of the most successful ODI opening pairs.
In the same year, he scored 209 against Australia—his first double century. Then, in 2014, he made 264 against Sri Lanka, the highest score ever in ODIs. Later, in 2017, he smashed another double century.
Stepping Into Test Cricket
Rohit made his Test debut in 2013 against the West Indies and scored 177. While he had a strong start, he wasn’t consistent and was dropped several times.
In 2019, he was given a fresh chance as a Test opener. He impressed everyone with twin hundreds against South Africa. But despite his improvement, Rohit’s Test form dipped again.
Eventually, in May 2025, he retired from Test cricket after playing 67 matches and scoring over 4,300 runs.
Leading the Indian Team
Rohit became India’s full-time captain across formats after Virat Kohli stepped down. As a leader, he was calm, experienced, and smart. Under his captaincy:
- India won the 2022 Asia Cup
- Reached the 2023 ODI World Cup Final
- Lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup by beating South Africa
- Won the 2025 Champions Trophy, with Rohit scoring 76 in the final
After the T20 World Cup win, he stepped away from T20Is but continued leading the team in ODIs.
Making His Mark in IPL
Rohit played for the Deccan Chargers in the early IPL years and even won the 2009 title with them. In 2011, he joined the Mumbai Indians. Just two years later, in 2013, he became captain and led the team to their first title.
Under his captaincy, Mumbai Indians won five IPL titles—a record that matches MS Dhoni. His leadership, calmness, and match-winning ability made MI a strong team year after year.
Rohit has scored over 7,000 IPL runs and remains one of the league’s top performers.
Stats That Speak for Themselves
Here are some of the biggest records and achievements in Rohit Sharma’s career:
Achievement | Details |
---|---|
Highest ODI score | 264 vs Sri Lanka |
ODI double centuries | 3 (only player to do so) |
T20I centuries | 5 |
Most World Cup centuries | 7 (2019 and 2023) |
International sixes | 624+ |
First to 11,000 ODI runs in 261 innings | Feb 2025 |
Most capped T20I player | 159 matches |
Most sixes as captain | 300+ |
Most IPL Player of the Match awards by an Indian | 19 |
Total IPL runs | 7,000+ as of 2025 |
Life Off the Field
Rohit married Ritika Sajdeh, a sports manager, in December 2015. Their bond grew stronger through the years, and they now have two children—daughter Samaira (born in 2018) and a baby boy (born in 2024).
Beyond cricket, Rohit supports causes he truly believes in. He works with PETA and WWF-India to spread awareness about animal welfare. He’s the official Rhino Ambassador for WWF.
He also started a cricket academy—CricKingdom—with branches in India, Singapore, and Japan. This academy trains young cricketers and helps build the future of the sport.
Wealth, Brands, and Lifestyle
Rohit’s success has brought him financial rewards too. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around ₹214 crore ($26 million).
Here’s how he earns:
- BCCI salary (Grade A+): ₹7 crore per year
- Match fees: ₹15 lakh/Test, ₹6 lakh/ODI, ₹3 lakh/T20I
- IPL salary: ₹16 crore in 2025
- Endorsements: Works with 28+ brands; earns ₹3.5–7 crore per deal
- House: Luxury apartment in South Mumbai worth ₹30 crore
- Cars: Lamborghini Urus, BMW M5, and more
He’s not only rich in records but also in lifestyle.
Teaching the Next Generation
Rohit plays an important role in mentoring young players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ishan Kishan. He is known for sharing advice during matches and keeping things relaxed even during tense situations.
Many young cricketers have said that they admire Rohit’s ability to combine power-hitting with pure technique. His calm nature, cricketing brain, and match awareness make him an ideal leader.
Recognition and Awards
Rohit has received several honors over the years:
- Arjuna Award (2015)
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2020)
- ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year (2019)
- ICC ODI Team of the Year (multiple years)
- ICC T20I and Test Teams of the Decade (2011–2020)
- ICC Team of the Year 2023 (Captain)
What Comes Next?
Although Rohit has retired from Tests and T20Is, he is still leading India in ODIs. There’s a strong chance he’ll captain the team in the 2027 World Cup.
He may also continue in the IPL for a couple more years, especially as his fitness remains top-notch. Even after retirement, he’s likely to stay involved in cricket—either as a mentor, coach, or commentator.
Rohit Sharma’s journey is a real-life lesson in hard work and never giving up. From facing rejection to becoming India’s captain, he has shown the world how determination pays off. His batting records are historic. leadership is admired by many. His love for animals and charity work sets him apart. As fans, we’re lucky to witness his incredible journey.
Even after he retires, Rohit’s name will continue to inspire young cricketers all over the world.
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