**Rohit Sharma: The Hitman of Indian Cricket – Career, Teams, and 5 Most Shocking Moments**
**Let's Begin**
Rohit Sharma, widely known as the **"Hitman"**, is one of the most recognized players in modern cricket. With his graceful batting, record-breaking hundreds, and leadership qualities, he has built a legendary career in international and franchise cricket. From his early hardships to become one of India’s most successful captains, Rohit’s story is nothing short of remarkable.
In this article, we’ll explore: - Rohit Sharma’s career and teams
- The amount of players in his current teams (Mumbai Indians & Team India) - **5 most memorable and surprising moments** during his career
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## **Rohit Sharma’s Cricket Career & Teams**
### **1. International Career (Team India)** - ** Debut:** June 23, 2007 (ODI versus Ireland) - ** Role:** Right-handed batter, occasional off-spinner, skipper - ** Formats:** Tests, ODIs, T20Is - ** Records:** - **Highest individual ODI score (264)** - **Most double centuries in ODIs (3)** - **Most T20I hundreds (5) ** - **Only player with 3 ODI double centuries**
### **2. Indian Premier League (Mumbai Indians – MI)** - ** Debut:** 2008 (Deccan Chargers), joined MI in 2011 - **Role:** Batsman & Captain - ** Achievements:** - **Most successful IPL captain (5 championships – 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) ** - **Most runs for MI (almost 5,000+ runs)**
### **How Many Players Are in Rohit Sharma’s Teams? ** - ** Team India (ODI/T20I Squad):** 15-18 players (varies every series)
- **Mumbai Indians (IPL Squad):** 25 players (as per IPL 2024 regulations)
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## **5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments in Rohit Sharma’s Career**
### **1. The Record-Breaking 264 versus Sri Lanka (2014) – A Masterclass in Batting** ** Date:** November 13, 2014 ** Venue:** Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Rohit Sharma astonished the world by hammering **264 runs in 173 balls**—the best individual ODI score in history. He started cautiously then advanced viciously, hitting **33 fours and 9 sixes**. Sri Lanka had no responses as India posted **404/5**.
**Why It Was Shocking?** - No one had ever surpassed 250 in ODIs before.
- He scored **more than half of India’s total runs**.
### **2. The 2019 World Cup Hat-Trick of Centuries – A Batting Exhibition** **Opponents:** South Africa, Pakistan, England
Rohit became the **first batsman to score five hundreds in a single World Cup (2019)**. His three straight tons were: - **122* versus South Africa** (Anchored a hard chase) - **140 vs Pakistan** (Dominant in a high-pressure game)
- **102 versus England** (Kept India in the hunt despite a defeat)
**Why It Was Memorable?** - Broke Kumar Sangakkara’s record (4 centuries in a WC).
- Proved himself as India’s **big-match player**.
### **3. The 2020 IPL Final - MI’s 5th Title Under Rohit’s Captaincy** ** Date:** November 10, 2020 ** Venue:** Dubai International Stadium
Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to a **record fifth IPL title**, defeating Delhi Capitals by **5 wickets**. Despite fighting ailments, he played a key **68-run knock** in the final.
**Why It Was Shocking?** - Many doubted his fitness, yet he delivered when it mattered.
- Cemented MI as the **greatest IPL franchise ever**.
### **4. The 2021 T20 World Cup Debacle — Rohit’s Struggles & India’s Exit** ** Date:** October-November 2021
India suffered a **humiliating group-stage exit** in the T20 World Cup. Rohit, a vital player, managed just **74 runs in 5 matches**, including a **golden duck versus Pakistan**.
**Why It Was Shocking?** - One of his poorest T20 performances.
- Led to big adjustments in India’s T20 strategy.
### **5. The 2023 ODI World Cup Heartbreak – A Century in Vain** **Date:** November 19, 2023 ** Venue:** Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Rohit Sharma delivered a **blazing 47-ball 80** in the final against Australia, giving India a furious start. However, India faltered, losing by **6 wickets**. His bold aim was appreciated, but the defeat was painful.
**Why It Was Memorable & Shocking?** - His brave batting set the tone, but India couldn’t capitalize.
- One of the **biggest heartbreaks** in Indian cricket history.
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## **Conclusion** Rohit Sharma’s career has been a combination of **record-breaking highs and surprising lows**. From his **legendary 264** to **World Cup heartbreaks**, he has experienced it everything. As **captain of India and Mumbai Indians**, his leadership continues to inspire millions.
What’s your favorite Rohit Sharma moment? Let us know in the comments!