Today, April 30th, as the clock ticks and fans around the globe send their wishes, we celebrate the birthday of one of cricket’s modern-day maestros: Rohit Gurunath Sharma. Rohit Gurunath Sharma, fondly known as the “Hitman,” has carved his name into the annals of cricket history through a combination of elegant stroke play, destructive power-hitting, and astute leadership. Born on April 30, 1987, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, his journey from a talented youngster to a modern-day legend is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and sheer brilliance with the bat.
Sharma’s early cricketing journey saw him transition from an off-spinner to a top-order batsman, a move that would eventually define his career. He made his List A debut in 2005 and quickly rose through the ranks, making his first-class debut for Mumbai in the 2006-07 season, where he announced his arrival with a double century. His international debut came in 2007, and while the initial years saw flashes of his potential, it was his promotion to opener in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2013 that truly unlocked his prodigious talent.
A Colossus in White-Ball Cricket
Rohit Sharma transformed into a white-ball behemoth, setting numerous records and playing innings of breathtaking brilliance. His record-shattering 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest individual score in ODI history, an innings punctuated by a record 33 boundaries. He is the only batsman to have scored three double centuries in ODIs, showcasing his unparalleled ability to pace an innings and accelerate with devastating effect.
His achievements in ICC tournaments are equally remarkable. Sharma holds the record for the most centuries in a single edition of the Cricket World Cup, smashing five tons in the 2019 edition. He also led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, demonstrating his leadership prowess on the global stage.
Dominance in T20s and IPL Leadership
In the shortest format, Rohit Sharma’s dominance is undeniable. He retired from T20Is as the highest run-scorer and holds the record for the most centuries (5) and most sixes. His explosive starts and ability to consistently clear the boundary have made him a feared opponent in T20 leagues worldwide.
His leadership in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been nothing short of exemplary. Captaining the Mumbai Indians for a decade, he led them to an unprecedented five IPL titles, establishing himself as one of the most successful captains in the league’s history. He is also the only IPL player to have scored a century and taken a hat-trick.
A Test Career of Resilience
While his white-ball exploits often overshadow his Test career, Rohit Sharma has proven his mettle in the longest format as well. After a somewhat inconsistent start to his Test career, his promotion to opener in 2019 brought about a significant change. He became the first Indian to score two centuries in his first Test as an opener. He has since scored crucial centuries, both at home and away, showcasing his adaptability across formats.
Rohit Sharma’s career is studded with records and accolades:
* Highest individual score in ODIs (264)
* Most double centuries in ODIs (3)
* Most centuries in a single Cricket World Cup edition (5 in 2019)
* Most sixes in international cricket (637+)
* Most centuries in T20Is (5, joint record)
* Most runs in T20Is
* Five IPL titles as captain of Mumbai Indians
* Two ICC trophies as captain (T20 World Cup 2024, Champions Trophy 2025)
* Arjuna Award (2015)
* Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2020)
* ICC ODI Player of the Year
* Multiple ICC Team of the Year selections
A Continuing Legacy
As Rohit Sharma continues his cricketing journey, his legacy as one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time is firmly cemented. His elegant yet powerful batting, his record-breaking feats, and his calm and composed leadership have endeared him to fans worldwide. He remains an inspiration to budding cricketers and a force to be reckoned with on the global stage, continuing to add chapters to an already legendary career.
