Top 30 Interesting and Lesser-Known Facts About Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, known as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, is one of the most prolific and stylish batsmen in modern cricket. Born on April 30, 1987, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Rohit’s journey from a middle-class background to becoming a global cricket icon is inspiring. Renowned for his ability to score big, Rohit holds the record for the highest individual score in a One Day International (ODI) match—an astounding 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014.
Rohit’s career skyrocketed when he transitioned from the middle order to opening for India in limited-overs cricket. His calm demeanor, combined with an aggressive batting style, has made him a fan favorite. Rohit has a rare knack for hitting sixes effortlessly, earning him the nickname “Hitman.” His consistency and technique in white-ball cricket are unmatched, and he has also made significant strides in Test cricket.
As the captain of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rohit has led the team to multiple championships, establishing himself as one of the most successful captains in IPL history. Under his leadership, the Mumbai Indians won five IPL titles, a testament to his tactical acumen and ability to lead from the front.
This blog delves into 30 interesting and lesser-known facts about Rohit Sharma, shedding light on his life both on and off the cricket field.
1. Rohit Sharma’s Early Life
Born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, Nagpur, Rohit Sharma hails from a middle-class family. His father, Gurunath Sharma, worked as a caretaker in a transport firm, while his mother, Purnima Sharma, is a homemaker. Rohit spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Borivali, Mumbai, due to financial constraints.
2. Began His Career as an Off-Spinner
Before becoming a prolific batsman, Rohit Sharma started his cricketing career as an off-spinner. It was only later that his coach, Dinesh Lad, discovered his potential as a batsman and encouraged him to focus on his batting skills. This decision ultimately changed the course of Rohit’s career.
3. A Century on Debut in Ranji Trophy
Rohit Sharma made a remarkable entry into first-class cricket by scoring a century on his debut in the 2006–07 Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai. His unbeaten knock of 205 runs against Gujarat showcased his talent and solidified his place in domestic cricket.
4. Rohit’s Nickname – ‘Hitman’
Rohit Sharma is popularly known as the ‘Hitman’ due to his ability to hit massive sixes and build huge innings. His ability to clear boundaries with ease earned him this nickname from fans and teammates alike.
5. Rohit’s Love for Football
Rohit Sharma is a huge fan of football, and he supports Real Madrid in European football. He has often expressed his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, who is one of his sporting idols.
6. The Only Batsman with Three Double Centuries in ODIs
Rohit Sharma holds the incredible record of being the only cricketer in history to score three double centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His highest score in ODIs is an astonishing 264 runs against Sri Lanka, which is also the highest individual score in ODI history.
7. Fluent in Four Languages
Rohit Sharma is multilingual and can speak four languages fluently: Hindi, English, Marathi, and Telugu. While his mother tongue is Telugu, he grew up in Mumbai and became proficient in Marathi and Hindi.
8. Cricketer Who Scored Most Sixes in a Calendar Year
In 2019, Rohit Sharma broke the record for hitting the most sixes in international cricket in a calendar year. He hit a total of 78 sixes across all formats, surpassing the previous record held by AB de Villiers.
9. First Captain to Win an IPL Title in His First Year as Captain
Rohit Sharma became the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) midway through the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Under his leadership, MI went on to win their first IPL title, marking the beginning of a dominant era for the franchise.
10. Rohit’s Record as the Most Successful IPL Captain
Rohit Sharma is the most successful captain in IPL history, leading Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020). His calm leadership and tactical acumen have been credited for the team’s consistency and success.
11. Early Struggles in His International Career
Rohit Sharma’s initial years in international cricket were marked by inconsistency. Despite making his debut in 2007, it took him a while to cement his place in the Indian cricket team, especially in Test cricket. His breakthrough as an opener in ODIs in 2013 was a turning point in his career.
12. A Keen Dog Lover
Rohit Sharma is known for his love for animals, especially dogs. He often shares pictures and videos with his pet dogs on social media. He is also involved in several animal welfare initiatives and supports organizations that work for the well-being of stray animals.
13. The Historic Test Debut at Eden Gardens
Rohit Sharma made his Test debut in 2013 against the West Indies at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He scored a majestic 177 runs in his debut innings, making it one of the most memorable debuts in Indian cricket history.
14. Rohit’s Charity Work and Social Initiatives
Rohit Sharma is actively involved in charity work and social causes. He has been a vocal advocate for animal rights and is associated with various NGOs that work towards the welfare of stray animals. He also supports initiatives that promote education for underprivileged children.
15. His Love for Travel
Rohit Sharma is a travel enthusiast and often takes time off from his busy cricket schedule to explore new destinations. He frequently shares pictures of his travels on social media, whether it’s a relaxing vacation with his family or an adventurous trip.
16. The Match That Changed His Career: 2013 Champions Trophy
The 2013 ICC Champions Trophy proved to be a career-defining tournament for Rohit Sharma. He was promoted to open the batting in ODIs, a decision that changed his fortunes. Rohit grabbed the opportunity with both hands, forming a formidable opening partnership with Shikhar Dhawan.
17. Rohit Sharma’s Connection with Sachin Tendulkar
Rohit Sharma grew up idolizing Sachin Tendulkar and had the privilege of playing alongside the cricketing legend during his early years with Mumbai Indians. Sachin has often spoken highly of Rohit’s talent, and the two share a strong bond both on and off the field.
18. A Huge Fan of Tennis
Apart from football, Rohit Sharma is also a big fan of tennis. He admires Roger Federer and has expressed his admiration for the Swiss tennis legend’s calm and composed approach on the court, which he tries to emulate in his own cricketing career.
19. Rohit Sharma’s Love Story
Rohit Sharma married Ritika Sajdeh, his sports manager, on December 13, 2015. The couple had been friends for over six years before tying the knot. Their love story is often regarded as one of the most heartwarming tales in the cricketing world.
20. Fatherhood
Rohit and Ritika welcomed their daughter, Samaira, in December 2018. Rohit is a doting father and often shares adorable pictures with his daughter on social media, showcasing his softer side as a family man.
21. Rohit’s Support for Environmental Causes
Rohit Sharma is an advocate for environmental conservation and has supported initiatives aimed at protecting the environment. He has raised awareness about pollution and the importance of sustainable living through his social media platforms.
22. Multiple Centuries in a Single World Cup
Rohit Sharma created history during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup by becoming the first player to score five centuries in a single edition of the tournament. His exceptional performance helped India reach the semi-finals of the competition.
23. The First Indian to Score a T20I Century as an Opener
Rohit Sharma became the first Indian to score a century in T20 Internationals as an opener when he smashed a brilliant 106* against South Africa in 2015. His aggressive yet controlled knock highlighted his versatility in the shortest format of the game.
24. Rohit Sharma’s Favorite Cuisine
Despite being a fitness-conscious athlete, Rohit Sharma enjoys indulging in his favorite foods occasionally. He is particularly fond of traditional Indian food, with biryani being one of his all-time favorite dishes.
25. Rohit’s Massive Fan Following on Social Media
Rohit Sharma enjoys a massive fan following on social media, with millions of followers across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. His engaging content, candid moments with family, and cricket insights have made him a social media sensation.
26. His Love for Bollywood
Rohit Sharma is an ardent Bollywood fan and enjoys watching movies during his downtime. Some of his favorite actors include Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan. Rohit has often been seen attending movie premieres and Bollywood events.
27. Rohit’s Record of Most Centuries in T20Is
Rohit Sharma holds the record for the most centuries in T20 Internationals, with four tons to his name. His ability to accelerate at the right time and play big innings has made him one of the most feared batsmen in the T20 format.
28. A Natural Leader
Although Rohit Sharma initially captained Mumbai Indians in the IPL, he has also led India in various formats. Under his captaincy, India has won several bilateral series and tournaments. His calm and composed leadership style is often compared to that of former Indian captain MS Dhoni.
29. A Memorable Double Century Against Australia in 2013
Rohit Sharma’s second ODI double century came against Australia in 2013, where he smashed 209 runs. This innings solidified his reputation as one of the best limited-overs batsmen in the world and showcased his ability to play long innings.
30. Rohit Sharma’s Calm Demeanor
One of Rohit Sharma’s most admired qualities is his calm demeanor on the field. Whether it’s handling pressure situations or leading his team to victory, Rohit is known for keeping his composure, which has played a significant role in his success as a cricketer.
Rohit Sharma’s journey from a young boy in Borivali to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated cricketers is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication to the game, his ability to overcome challenges, and his calm leadership make him a true role model for aspiring cricketers. These 30 interesting and lesser-known facts about Rohit Sharma provide a deeper insight into the life of a cricketer who continues to break records and win hearts around the globe.