Rohit Sharma facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Rohit Sharma

Sharma in 2024
Personal information
Full name	Rohit Gurunath Sharma
Born	(1987-04-30) 30 April 1987 (age 38) Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Nickname	Hitman Shana
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm off break
Role	Top-order batter
International information
National side	India (2007–present)
Test debut (cap 280)	6 November 2013 v West Indies
Last Test	26 December 2024 v Australia
ODI debut (cap 168)	23 June 2007 v Ireland
Last ODI	9 March 2025 v New Zealand
ODI shirt no.	45 (formerly 77)
T20I debut (cap 17)	19 September 2007 v England
Last T20I	29 June 2024 v South Africa
T20I shirt no.	45 (formerly 77)
Domestic team information
Years	Team
2006/07–present	Mumbai
2008–2010	Deccan Chargers (squad no. 45)
2011–present	Mumbai Indians (squad no. 45)
Career statistics
Competition Test ODI T20I FC Matches 67 273 159 129 Runs scored 4,301 11,168 4,231 9,318 Batting average 40.57 48.76 32.05 49.04 100s/50s 12/18 32/58 5/32 29/38 Top score 212 264 121* 309* Balls bowled 383 610 68 2,153 Wickets 2 9 1 24 Bowling average 112.00 59.22 113.00 48.08 5 wickets in innings 0 0 0 0 10 wickets in match 0 0 0 0 Best bowling 1/26 2/27 1/22 4/41 Catches/stumpings 68/– 96/– 65/– 112/–
Medal record Men's cricket Representing  India ICC Cricket World Cup Runner-up 2023 India {{{3}}} ICC World Test Championship Runner-up 2019-2021 {{{3}}} Runner-up 2021-2023 {{{3}}} ICC T20 World Cup Winner 2007 South Africa {{{3}}} Winner 2024 West Indies & USA {{{3}}} Runner-up 2014 Bangladesh {{{3}}} ICC Champions Trophy Winner 2013 England & Wales {{{3}}} Winner 2025 Pakistan {{{3}}} Runner-up 2017 England & Wales {{{3}}} Asia Cup Winner 2010 Sri Lanka {{{3}}} Winner 2016 Bangladesh {{{3}}} Winner 2018 United Arab Emirates {{{3}}} Winner 2023 Pakistan {{{3}}} Runner-up 2008 Pakistan {{{3}}} ICC U19 World Cup Runner-up 2006 Sri Lanka {{{3}}}
Source: ESPNcricinfo, 30 March 2025

Rohit Gurunath Sharma (born 30 April 1987) is a famous Indian cricketer. He is currently the captain of the Indian national team in ODI matches. He used to be the captain for Test and T20I matches too. Many people think he is one of the best opening batters ever.

Rohit is a right-handed batsman. He plays for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for Mumbai in local Indian cricket. After India won the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, he announced he would no longer play T20 International matches. He was also part of the teams that won the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Rohit Sharma holds many amazing cricket records. He has scored the most runs in T20 Internationals and hit the most sixes in all international cricket games. He is the only player with three double centuries in ODI cricket. He also holds the record for the most centuries (seven) in Cricket World Cups. He has scored the highest individual score (264 runs) in an ODI match. In 2019, he won the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year award. He is the first and only captain to lead a team in all major ICC tournament finals.

He used to be the captain of Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Under his leadership, the team won five IPL titles (in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020). This makes him one of the most successful captains in IPL history, sharing the record with MS Dhoni. Rohit is also one of only two players who have played in every T20 World Cup, from the first one in 2007 to the latest in 2024. He is the only Indian player to win two T20 World Cups. He is also the second Indian captain to win a T20 World Cup.

Rohit has received two important national awards from the Government of India. These are the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the special Khel Ratna Award in 2020. As captain, India won the 2018 Asia Cup and the 2023 Asia Cup. They also won the 2018 Nidahas Trophy.

Early Life and Cricket Start

Rohit Sharma was born on April 30, 1987, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. His family raised him in Borivali because his father earned a low income. He would visit his parents in Dombivli on weekends. He has a younger brother named Vishal.

In 1999, Rohit joined a cricket camp. His coach, Dinesh Lad, saw his talent and suggested he move to a school with better cricket facilities. Rohit couldn't afford it, but his coach helped him get a scholarship. So, for four years, he studied and played cricket for free. Rohit started as a bowler who could bat a little. But his coach saw his batting skills and made him an opener. He did very well in school cricket tournaments, even scoring a century in his first game as an opener.

Personal Life

Rohit Sharma with his wife, Ritika Sajdeh

Rohit Sharma married his longtime girlfriend, Ritika Sajdeh, on December 13, 2015. They first met in 2008. Their first child, a daughter, was born on December 30, 2018. They welcomed their second child, a son, on November 15, 2024. Rohit practices a meditation technique called Sahaj Marg. He follows an eggetarian diet.

Youth Cricket Career

Rohit Sharma played his first major one-day match for West Zone in March 2005. He scored 31 runs and helped his team win. He became well-known after scoring 142 runs in another match in the same tournament. He then played for India A in Abu Dhabi and Australia.

In July 2006, Rohit played his first first-class match for India A. He scored 57 and 22 runs. He made his debut for Mumbai in the 2006–07 Ranji Trophy. He scored 205 runs against Gujarat. Mumbai won the tournament, and Rohit scored 57 runs in the final.

Rohit has always played for Mumbai in domestic first-class cricket. In December 2009, he scored his highest first-class score of 309 not out in the Ranji Trophy. In October 2013, he became the captain of the Mumbai team.

International Cricket Career

Rohit Sharma has played many important matches for India. Here's a look at his journey:

Test Matches

In November 2013, Rohit made his Test debut against West Indies. He scored 177 runs, which was the second-highest score by an Indian on debut. In his second Test, he scored 111 not out.

After being out of the Test team for a while, Rohit returned for the 2018–19 tour of Australia. He scored 63 not out in the third Test, helping India win the series. He had to return to India for the birth of his daughter.

In October 2019, Rohit scored his first double century in Tests, making 212 runs against South Africa. He was later made vice-captain of India's Test team during the 2020 tour of Australia.

He had a great home series against England in 2021. He scored 161 runs in one match, which was a key part of India's comeback. He also scored his first Test century outside India in September 2021, making 127 runs against England at The Oval. He also reached 3,000 runs in Test cricket.

In February 2022, Rohit became the captain of India's Test team, taking over from Virat Kohli. However, he had a tough time with the bat in the 2024–25 season. His captaincy also faced criticism after India lost Test series at home to New Zealand and away to Australia. On May 7, 2025, he announced his retirement from Test cricket. He finished his Test career with 4,301 runs in 61 matches. As captain, he led India to 12 wins in 24 Tests.

Cricket World Cups

Rohit Sharma during the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia

Rohit played in his first Cricket World Cup in 2015 in Australia. He scored 330 runs, including a century (137) against Bangladesh. India reached the semi-finals but lost to Australia.

In April 2019, Rohit was named vice-captain for the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England. He scored 122 runs in the first match against South Africa, reaching 12,000 runs in international cricket. He then scored centuries against Pakistan, England, and Bangladesh. Against Sri Lanka, he scored another century, becoming the first batsman to score five centuries in a single World Cup. He also equaled Sachin Tendulkar's record of six centuries in all World Cup matches. Rohit was the top run-scorer in the tournament with 648 runs and won the Golden Bat award.

On October 8, 2023, Rohit captained India for the first time in a Cricket World Cup match against Australia. He became the oldest player to lead India in the tournament. On October 11, 2023, he broke Sachin Tendulkar's record for most centuries in World Cup history by scoring his seventh century against Afghanistan.

Other One-Day International Matches

Rohit made his international debut in a one-day match against Ireland in June 2007. He scored his first ODI half-century (52) against Pakistan in November 2007. He was part of the Indian squad that won a series in Australia in 2007–08.

After a period of lower scores, his career improved in 2013. His captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, decided to make him an opening batsman with Shikhar Dhawan for the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. This change worked well, and India won the tournament.

His good form continued. Later in 2013, he scored 141 not out against Australia. He then scored 209 runs off 158 balls, setting a world record for the most sixes (16) in an ODI innings at that time. On November 13, 2014, Rohit broke the world record for the highest score in an ODI match, scoring 264 runs from 173 balls against Sri Lanka.

In December 2017, Rohit captained India in a series against Sri Lanka. India won the series 2–1. In this series, Rohit also scored his third ODI double-century (208 not out), extending his record. In September 2018, he led India to win the 2018 Asia Cup.

In January 2019, Rohit scored his 22nd ODI century against Australia. In March 2019, he reached 8,000 runs in ODIs. In 2019, he scored the most runs in ODIs by any batsman, with 1,490 runs and seven centuries. In July 2022, Rohit became the first Indian captain to win both T20I and ODI series in England. In February 2025, he became the second fastest player to score 11,000 runs in ODI Cricket.

Twenty20 International Matches

Rohit Sharma hitting a six

Rohit was part of the Indian squad for the 2007 ICC World Twenty20. He scored an unbeaten 50 against South Africa, helping India win. India went on to win the final against Pakistan, where Rohit scored 30 not out.

In October 2015, Rohit scored 106 runs in a T20 International against South Africa. This made him the second Indian cricketer to score centuries in all three types of international cricket (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is).

In December 2017, Rohit scored the joint-fastest T20I century in just 35 balls, ending with 118 runs. This was his second T20I century. In July 2018, he became the second Indian batsman, after Virat Kohli, to score 2,000 runs in T20 Internationals. He also scored his third T20I century, equaling the record for most T20I centuries at the time.

In March 2018, he led India to win the Nidahas Trophy. In November 2018, he scored his fourth T20I century, setting a new record for the most centuries in T20I cricket. In November 2019, Rohit became the Indian cricketer with the most T20I matches played, reaching his 99th match. In the next match, he became the first Indian male cricketer to play in 100 T20Is.

In July 2022, Rohit became the first captain in T20I history to lead his team to 14 wins in a row. He is the only Indian cricketer to have played in every T20 World Cup since it started in 2007. On October 27, 2022, he broke the record for most sixes by an Indian batsman in T20 World Cups.

In May 2024, he was named captain of India's squad for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. In June 2024, he hit his 600th six in international cricket across all formats. On June 29, 2024, Rohit led India to win the 2024 T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa in the final. After this victory, he announced his retirement from T20 Internationals.

Franchise Cricket Career

Rohit Sharma joined the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, playing for the Deccan Chargers. In 2009, he won the IPL for the first time as the team's vice-captain. In 2011, he joined the Mumbai Indians. He scored his first IPL century in 2012, making 109 not out. In 2024, he scored his second IPL century, 105 not out, after 12 years.

Under Rohit's leadership, Mumbai Indians won the IPL five times (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020). They also won the Champions League Twenty20 in 2013.

Rohit has been one of the most successful IPL captains. He led Mumbai Indians in 158 matches, winning 87 of them. He is the second-most successful captain in IPL history, after MS Dhoni. He is one of only seven players to score over 5,000 runs in the IPL. He has scored 7,046 runs, with two centuries and 47 half-centuries. He is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, after Virat Kohli. In 2024, he was replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya, which surprised many fans.

Playing Style

Rohit Sharma playing a late cut shot during the 2015 World Cup

Rohit Sharma is known for his aggressive yet elegant batting style. In limited-overs cricket (like ODIs and T20Is), he usually opens the batting. In Test cricket, he has often played in the middle of the batting order. He is considered one of the best batsmen in limited-overs cricket. Because of his powerful hitting and ability to hit many sixes, he is often called "Hitman."

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has compared Rohit's batting style to that of Virender Sehwag and Viv Richards. Gavaskar said that Rohit is "unstoppable once he gets going" and has a "big appetite for big hundreds."

While Rohit is not a main bowler, he can bowl right-arm off spin. He is also very good at fielding, especially in the slips. He works hard to improve his fielding skills.

Achievements and Records

Rohit Sharma holds many impressive records:

• He scored the highest individual score ever in a One Day International match: 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014.
• He is the only player to have scored three double-centuries in ODIs.
• In January 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) named him the ODI Player of the Year.
• In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, he became the only batsman to score five centuries in a single World Cup tournament.
• On October 5, 2019, he became the first batsman to score two centuries in a Test match while opening the batting for the first time.
• On October 11, 2023, he broke Chris Gayle's record for the most international sixes (553).
• On October 14, 2023, he became the first Indian to hit 300 sixes in the 50-overs format.
• On October 22, 2023, he became the first Indian batter to hit 50 ODI sixes in a single calendar year.
• On August 2, 2024, he surpassed Eoin Morgan for hitting the most sixes in international cricket as a captain.
• He has won 19 Player of the Match awards in the IPL, which is the most by an Indian player.

Philanthropy and Animal Welfare

Rohit Sharma is involved in many charity activities. He supports causes like animal welfare, health, and helping children. He is especially passionate about protecting animals.

In February 2015, Rohit joined People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to support sterilizing homeless cats and dogs. He said that sterilizing animals helps control the population of street animals.

In September 2015, he joined an anti-poaching campaign in Kenya to help save wild animals in Africa, including the last northern white rhinoceros. He felt it was his duty to help prevent animals from being hunted illegally.

In November 2017, Rohit announced that money from sales of mobile phone covers and other items with his name and jersey number (45) would go to an animal charity of his choice.

In 2018, on "World Rhino Day," Rohit became the Rhino Ambassador for WWF-India. He said his love for rhinos started when he learned about Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, who passed away. He wanted to help prevent such extinctions and raise awareness. He noted that 82% of the world's rhinos live in India and felt honored to help protect them.

Interesting Facts About Rohit Sharma

• Rohit is the only Indian player to win two T20 World Cups.
• He has received two big national awards from the Government of India. These are the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the important Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2020.
• In 2012, Rohit did not play well and scored very few runs. But his captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, believed in him. This helped his career get back on track in 2013.
• He follows an eggetarian diet, which means he eats eggs but no meat.
• Rohit is the official Rhino Ambassador for WWF-India. This means he helps raise awareness about protecting rhinos.
• He practices a meditation method called Sahaj Marg.

Rohit Sharma's Inspiring Quotes

• "Success on the outside indeed begins with success on the inside."
• "You need to realise that you must have something to aim for, something to drive you."
• "All success in life, whether material or spiritual, starts with the thoughts that you put into your mind every second of every minute of every day. Your outer world reflects the state of your inner world."
• "By controlling the thoughts that you think and the way you respond to the events of your life, you begin to control your destiny."

Images for kids

• 2015 CWC I v UAE 02-28 Sharma (02).JPG

  Rohit Sharma during the 2015 Cricket World Cup