Rohit Sharma, one of the most celebrated cricketers of modern times, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history with his impeccable skills, remarkable achievements, and charismatic personality. From his early days in cricket to becoming the captain of the Indian cricket team, Rohit’s journey is both inspiring and fascinating. This comprehensive biography delves into various aspects of his life, including his height, age, wife, girlfriend, children, family, and more.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Rohit Sharma was born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. His full name is Rohit Gurunath Sharma. His father, Gurunath Sharma, worked as a caretaker in a transport firm storehouse, and his mother, Purnima Sharma, is a housewife. Rohit has a younger brother named Vishal Sharma. The family faced financial challenges, and Rohit was raised by his grandparents and uncles in Borivali, Mumbai, as his parents could not afford to raise both children.
Education
Rohit attended Swami Vivekanand International School and Junior College in Mumbai, where his cricketing talent was first recognized. He later joined the Rizvi College of Arts, Science, and Commerce in Mumbai, but cricket soon became his primary focus.
Cricketing Career
Early Days and Domestic Career
Rohit Sharma’s cricket journey began when he joined a local cricket camp in 1999. His talent was spotted by Dinesh Lad, a cricket coach who convinced him to switch to Swami Vivekanand International School, where Lad was a coach. Rohit initially started as an off-spinner who could bat a bit, but his potential as a batsman soon became evident.
In 2005, Rohit made his List A debut for West Zone against Central Zone in the Deodhar Trophy. His performance in domestic cricket, especially in the Ranji Trophy, where he played for Mumbai, earned him a spot in the Indian A team. His consistent performances at the domestic level paved the way for his entry into the Indian national team.
International Debut
Rohit Sharma made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India on June 23, 2007, against Ireland. His Test debut came later, on November 6, 2013, against the West Indies. Rohit’s T20 International debut was on September 19, 2007, against England.
Records
| Records | Details |
| Most Sixes in international cricket | 556 in 453 matches |
| Most 100s in ODI World Cup | 7 |
| Most 100s in single edition of ODI World Cup | 5 (2019 World Cup) |
| Most 200s in ODIs | 3 |
| Highest individual score in ODIs | 264 from 173 balls against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens on 13 November 2014 |
| Most runs by boundaries in ODI innings | 186 runs during his 264-run innings against Sri Lanka in 2014 |
| Most runs in ODIs in a calendar year | 1,490 runs in 2019 |
| Most centuries in T20I cricket | 5 |
| First Indian batter to hit 500 sixes in T20 matches | Achieved the feat on 14 April 2024 in an IPL match against Chennai Superkings |
| First cricketer to hit 600 sixes in T20I matches | Achieved the feat on 5 June 2024 in a T20 World Cup match against Ireland |
| Most runs in T20I as a captain | Broke Babar Azam’s record on 5 June 2024 in a T20 World Cup match against Ireland |
| Fastest to score 4000 runs in T20I | Achieved the feat on 5 June 2024 in a T20 World Cup match against Ireland |
| Most successful Indian captain in T20I | Broke MS Dhoni’s record on 5 June 2024 in a T20 World Cup match against Ireland |
IPL
In 2008, he was bought by the Deccan Chargers franchise at the IPL auctions. In 2011, he was sold to the Mumbai Indians. Under his captainship, the Mumbai Indians won the tournament in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. His only IPL century came in the 2012 season when he scored 109 (not out) against the Kolkata Knight Riders. In 2024, he was released as the Captain of the Mumbai Indians, making Hardik Pandya the new captain of the team. On 27 March 2024, he played his 200th IPL match for Mumbai Indians, becoming the first player to do so.
Rise to Stardom
Rohit’s rise in international cricket was gradual but steady. His initial years were marked by inconsistency, but he showed flashes of brilliance that indicated his immense potential. The turning point in his career came when he was promoted to open the batting in ODIs in 2013. This move transformed his career, and he became one of the most successful opening batsmen in the history of cricket.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Rohit Sharma holds several records in international cricket. He is the only player to have scored three double centuries in ODIs, with his highest score being 264 runs against Sri Lanka, which is the highest individual score in ODIs. He also holds the record for the most centuries in a single World Cup, having scored five centuries in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
In T20 Internationals, Rohit is known for his explosive batting and has scored multiple centuries. He is also the first player to score four T20I centuries.
Captaincy
Rohit Sharma’s leadership skills came to the forefront when he was appointed the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his captaincy, MI has won the IPL title five times (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020), making him the most successful captain in IPL history.
Rohit has also captained the Indian national team in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli. His calm demeanor and strategic acumen have earned him praise as a captain.
Personal Life
Height, Age, and Physical Appearance
Rohit Sharma stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters). As of 2023, he is 36 years old. He has a well-built physique and is known for his athleticism on the field. His charming personality and boy-next-door looks have made him a favorite among fans.
Wife and Family
Rohit Sharma is married to Ritika Sajdeh, a sports manager who has worked with several cricketers. The couple tied the knot on December 13, 2015, in a grand ceremony attended by numerous celebrities and cricketers. Ritika has been a significant pillar of support in Rohit’s life, often seen cheering for him from the stands.
Children
Rohit and Ritika welcomed their first child, a daughter named Samaira, on December 30, 2018. Rohit often shares adorable pictures and videos of his daughter on social media, showcasing his loving and doting fatherly side.
Relationships and Girlfriends
Before marrying Ritika, Rohit Sharma was rumored to have been in a relationship with Sofia Hayat, a British-Indian model and actress. However, both Rohit and Sofia never publicly confirmed their relationship, and it remained a subject of speculation in the media.
Achievements and Honors
Rohit Sharma’s illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades and honors. Some of the notable ones include:
- Arjuna Award: In 2015, Rohit Sharma was honored with the Arjuna Award, one of India’s highest sporting honors, for his outstanding achievements in cricket.
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna: In 2020, he was conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor.
- ICC Awards: Rohit has been named in the ICC ODI Team of the Year multiple times. He was also named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2019.
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year: In 2020, Rohit was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year.
Style of Play
Rohit Sharma is renowned for his elegant and effortless batting style. His ability to play both aggressive and anchoring innings makes him a versatile batsman. He is particularly known for his proficiency in playing pull and hook shots against fast bowlers. Rohit’s impeccable timing and placement allow him to find gaps in the field with ease.
One of Rohit’s most remarkable attributes is his ability to score big hundreds. Once he gets his eye in, he can accelerate the scoring rate and convert good starts into match-winning innings. His mental strength and ability to handle pressure situations have earned him the nickname “Hitman.”
Off the Field
Philanthropy and Social Causes
Rohit Sharma is actively involved in various philanthropic activities and social causes. He has been associated with several initiatives aimed at wildlife conservation, child welfare, and education. Rohit is a passionate advocate for animal rights and has supported campaigns to protect endangered species.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rohit contributed to various relief funds and initiatives to help those affected by the crisis. His charitable endeavors reflect his commitment to giving back to society.
Endorsements and Brand Ambassadorships
Rohit Sharma’s popularity and marketability have made him a sought-after figure for endorsements. He has been associated with numerous brands across different sectors, including sports, lifestyle, and consumer goods. Some of the notable brands endorsed by Rohit include Adidas, CEAT Tyres, Oakley, and Hublot.
Rohit’s association with these brands extends beyond mere endorsements, as he actively participates in promotional campaigns and events. His charismatic presence and relatable persona make him a valuable brand ambassador.
Hobbies and Interests
Apart from cricket, Rohit Sharma has a keen interest in music and movies. He is an avid music lover and enjoys listening to various genres. Rohit is also a movie buff and often watches films during his leisure time. His love for traveling is well-documented, and he frequently shares his travel experiences on social media.
Rohit is a dog lover and has a pet dog named “Magic,” who often features in his social media posts. His love for animals is evident in his efforts to support animal welfare organizations.
Challenges and Comebacks
Rohit Sharma’s cricketing journey has not been without its share of challenges. In the early years of his career, he faced criticism for his inconsistent performances. Despite showing immense potential, Rohit struggled to convert starts into big scores, leading to questions about his place in the team.
However, Rohit’s resilience and determination helped him overcome these challenges. The turning point in his career came when he was promoted to open the batting in ODIs. This move allowed him to play his natural game and make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
Rohit has also faced injuries that have kept him out of action for extended periods. His ability to make successful comebacks from injuries is a testament to his mental strength and commitment to the game.
Influence and Legacy
Rohit Sharma’s influence on Indian cricket extends beyond his individual achievements. As a senior player and captain, he has played a crucial role in mentoring young cricketers and shaping the team’s culture. His leadership qualities and tactical acumen have earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.
Rohit’s legacy in cricket is defined by his record-breaking performances, leadership qualities, and contribution to the success of the teams he has represented. He has set a benchmark for future generations of cricketers and continues to inspire millions of aspiring players.
Future Prospects
As Rohit Sharma continues to excel in international cricket, his prospects remain bright. With his experience and form, he is expected to play a vital role in India’s quest for major titles, including the ICC T20 World Cup and the ICC Cricket World Cup. His leadership in the IPL and potential future captaincy of the Indian team also hold promise for continued success.
Off the field, Rohit’s involvement in philanthropic activities and endorsements is likely to grow, further solidifying his status as a global icon. His dedication to the game and his ability to balance professional and personal life make him a role model for many.
Controversies
Fined for overspeeding
In October 2023, the Pune traffic authorities issued three penalties to Rohit Sharma for exceeding the speed limits on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Reports indicate that Sharma surpassed the 200 kmph speed limit, with his speed occasionally reaching 215 kmph.
Double super over controversy
In January 2024, in the third and final T20I against Afghanistan in Bengaluru, a high-voltage drama took place when Rohit Sharma returned to the crease during the second Super Over after being retired out in the first Super Over. As per the Super Overrule, once a batter is retired out, they cannot return to play. While talking about the controversy, Afghanistan’s Karim Janat, who played in the match, said,
“We didn’t know much about that. Our management talked to the umpires. Rohit came out to bat, but we learned later that he shouldn’t have been allowed to do that. Even if you were retired out, you can’t come to bat again.”
Accused Star Sports of leaking his private conversation
On 19 May 2024, Rohit Sharma accused Star Sports of broadcasting his private conversation with Kolkata Knight Riders’ Abhishek Nayar that both had on 16 May 2024. A video clip of this conversation was later shared by KKR on social media in which Rohit was seen requesting the broadcaster not to record their audio. On 20 May 2024, Star Sports released a statement regarding the issue and said that they only aired the clip in which Rohit was requesting to stop recording their audio, and no such video clip of their conversation was aired on the channel.
Car Collection
Rohit Sharma has a collection of swanky cars including a Lamborghini Urus (Rs 4.18 crore), a BMW M5 (Formula One Edition that cost around Rs 1.73 crore), a Mercedes GLS 400d (Rs 1.29 crore), a BMW X3, a Toyota Fortuner, and a Skoda Laura.
Salary
With an A+ contract with the BCCI, Rohit Sharma received a salary of Rs 7 crore for the 2022–2023 season. He receives Rs 6 lakh for an ODI match, Rs 3 lakh for a T20 International match, and Rs 15 lakh for a Test cricket match. In the 2024 IPL auctions, he was retained by the Mumbai Indian for Rs 16 crore.
Assets & Properties
He owns an ultra-luxurious 4 BHK apartment worth Rs. 30 crore on the 29th floor of the Ahuja Towers in Worli, Mumbai. He owns a mansion in Hyderabad worth Rs. 5 crore.
Investments
He has made investments worth Rs. 88.6 crore in two companies, Rapidobotics, a Robotic automation solutions provider company, and Veiroots Wellness Solutions, a healthcare company. He publicly holds three stocks worth around Rs. 7.6 crore.
Net Worth
In 2023, his net worth was estimated around to be Rs 214 crore.
Favourites
- Batter(s): Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag
- Bowler: Harbhajan Singh
- Tennis Player: Roger Federer
- Clothing Brand: Diesel
- Food: Aloo Parantha, Eggs
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Actor(s): Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan
- Actresses: Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Deepika Padukone, Megan Fox, Blake Lively
- Bollywood Film(s): Veer-Zara, Hera Pheri, Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander, Border
- Hollywood Film(s): The Avengers, Iron Man, The Dark Night Rises
- Film Director(s): David Dhawan, Priyadarshan, Imtiaz Ali, James Cameron
- Song(s): “Tere Liye Hum Hai Jiye” from the film Veer-Zaara (2004), “Started From The Bottom” by Drake
- Car: Aston Martin
- Hotel: Long Beach Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius
- Travel Destination: New York
FactsTrivia
- He plays with jersey number 45 for the Indian national cricket team.
- His favourite shot is “pull,” and his favourite batting drill is ‘straight down the ground.’
- Rohit Sharma follows an eggetarian diet. According to his coach Dinesh Lad, Rohit would often visit his home to have his favourite half-fried eggs as non-vegetarian food was banned at Rohit’s home back then. Lad once recalled a night when Rohit and three others ate more than 60 eggs at his home. Lad said,
- You won’t believe it. That night, Rohit, his brother, my son Siddhesh, and another boy—four of them—gulped more than 60 eggs. I was tired of cooking, but it was worth it.”
- When he made his Test debut in November 2013, it was Sachin Tendulkar‘s farewell series.
- Many brands including CEAT and the Swiss watchmaker Hublot have sponsored him.
- He has endorsed various brands including Maggi, Fair and Lovely, Lay’s, Nissan, energy drink Relentless, Nasivion nasal spray, Aristocrat by VIP Industries, Adidas, and Oppo mobiles.
- Rohit is nicknamed as RO and Shana. It was Zaheer Khan who nicknamed him Shana.
- Rohit Sharma is known for his attacking batting and six-hitting abilities due to which he is often referred to as “Hitman.”
- Sunil Gavaskar once compared Rohit’s batting style to those of Virender Sehwag and Viv Richards.
- Although he is not a regular bowler, he can bowl right arm off spin.
- His favourite fielding position is in the slips.
- Rohit Sharma actively supports various animal welfare campaigns. WWF-India made him its official Rhino Ambassador in 2018. He is also a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
- In September 2015, Rohit Sharma, along with Hollywood actors Matt LeBlanc and Salma Hayek, became part of an anti-poaching campaign in Kenya to save the wild animals of Africa including the last surviving northern white rhinoceros.
- In 2017, during a chit-chat with Gaurav Kapur on YouTube, Virat Kohli revealed that Rohit Sharma had a habit of forgetting and misplacing things. Kohli said,
- The number of things Rohit Sharma forgets, I have never seen anyone else being this forgetful. iPad, wallet, phone, not the small things, but things for daily use. He (Rohit Sharma) has forgotten his passport two or three times. It was very hard to retrieve it.”
- His mother tongue is Telugu. He once said,
Yes, my mother tongue is Telugu…my mom is from Vizag.”
- Rohit is an ardent follower of Lord Ganesha, and he never misses to pay a visit to the Siddhivinayak Temple before any tour.
- In an interview, Rohit revealed that he once bunked his school to meet Virender Sehwag.
- He is a football lover and follows the Real Madrid Football Club.
- Rohit is notorious for his sleeping habits.
FAQs Related to Rohit Sharma
Q: What are Rohit Sharma’s notable achievements in international cricket?
Rohit Sharma has numerous notable achievements in international cricket. He is the only player to have scored three double centuries in ODIs, with his highest score being 264 runs against Sri Lanka. He also holds the record for the most centuries in a single World Cup, having scored five centuries in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Additionally, Rohit is the first player to score four T20I centuries.
Q: When did Rohit Sharma make his international debut?
Rohit Sharma made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India on June 23, 2007, against Ireland. His Test debut came later, on November 6, 2013, against the West Indies. He made his T20 International debut on September 19, 2007, against England.
Q: How many IPL titles has Rohit Sharma won as captain of Mumbai Indians?
Rohit Sharma has won five IPL titles as the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI). The team clinched the titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, making him the most successful captain in IPL history.
Q: Who is Rohit Sharma married to, and do they have any children?
Rohit Sharma is married to Ritika Sajdeh, a sports manager. The couple got married on December 13, 2015. They have a daughter named Samaira, who was born on December 30, 2018.
Q: What are some of Rohit Sharma’s philanthropic activities?
Rohit Sharma is actively involved in various philanthropic activities, including wildlife conservation, child welfare, and education. He is a passionate advocate for animal rights and has supported campaigns to protect endangered species. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he contributed to various relief funds and initiatives to help those affected by the crisis.
Q: Has Rohit Sharma received any major awards or honors?
Yes, Rohit Sharma has received several major awards and honors, including the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2020. He has also been named in the ICC ODI Team of the Year multiple times and was the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2019. In 2020, he was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year.
Q: What is Rohit Sharma’s role in the Indian cricket team currently?
As of now, Rohit Sharma is a key player for the Indian cricket team and often serves as the team’s captain in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli. His leadership skills and experience make him an integral part of the team in all formats of the game.
Q: What are some of Rohit Sharma’s hobbies and interests outside cricket?
Rohit Sharma enjoys music and movies. He is an avid music lover and a movie buff. He also loves traveling and often shares his travel experiences on social media. Additionally, Rohit is a dog lover and has a pet dog named “Magic.”
Q: What challenges has Rohit Sharma faced in his cricketing career?
Rohit Sharma faced criticism for his inconsistent performances in the early years of his career. Despite showing immense potential, he struggled to convert starts into big scores. He also dealt with injuries that kept him out of action for extended periods. However, his resilience and determination helped him overcome these challenges and achieve great success.
Q: What is Rohit Sharma’s height and age? Rohit Sharma stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters). As of 2023, he is 36 years old.
