**Rohit Sharma: The Hitman of Indian Cricket – Career, Teams, and Unforgettable Moments**
**Let's Begin**
One of the most renowned cricketers of the current era is Rohit Sharma, who is affectionately called **"The Hitman"**. He has cemented his place in baseball lore with his graceful hitting technique, record-breaking exploits, and level-headed leadership. It is quite remarkable to see Rohit's remarkable career, from his early challenges to becoming India's most successful white-ball skipper.
This blog delves into: - The career and teams of Rohit Sharma
- The amount of players on his present team (Mumbai Indians & Indian Cricket Team) - The five most surprising and unforgettable incidents of his career - The influence he has had on Indian cricket
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**The Career and Teams of Rohit Sharma**
* 1. International Career (India) - **Debut:** June 23, 2007 (ODI against Ireland) - **Role:** Right-handed batsman, occasional off-spinner - **Captaincy:** Led India to several ICC tournament finals (2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup) - **Records:** - Only player with **three double century in ODIs** (209, 264, 208*)
**Highest individual ODI score (264 versus Sri Lanka, 2014)** - Most **T20I centuries**
### **2. Indian Premier League (Mumbai Indians - MI)** - ** Played his first game for MI in 2011 - **Held the captaincy since:** 2013 - **Achieved five IPL titles (in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020)** while playing under his leadership - ** IPL Records:**
- Most century in IPL (7)
- One of the highest run-scorers (6,500+ runs)
### **3. Current Squad Size (2024)** - **Indian Cricket Team (ODIs/T20Is):** 15-18 players (varies every series)
- **Mumbai Indians (IPL 2024):** 25 players
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## **5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments in Rohit Sharma’s Career**
### **1. The Record-Breaking 264 versus Sri Lanka (2014) – A Batting Masterclass** **Date:** November 13, 2014 ** Venue:** Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Rohit Sharma achieved the unthinkable—he hammered **264 runs in an ODI**, the best individual score in cricket. Coming back from injury, he started cautiously but burst in the last 15 overs. His innings comprised **33 fours and 9 sixes**, leaving fans and critics in amazement.
**Why it was shocking?** - No one had ever exceeded 250 before. - He nearly outscored Sri Lanka’s whole team (252).
### **2. The 2019 World Cup Century versus South Africa – A Statement Knock** ** Date:** June 5, 2019 ** Venue:** Rose Bowl, Southampton
In India’s opening match of the **2019 World Cup**, Rohit Sharma provided a masterclass with **122* (144 balls)**. He anchored the innings against a formidable South African assault (Rabada, Tahir, Ngidi).
**Why it was memorable?** - Proved his big-match attitude.
- Set the tone for India’s strong campaign (until the semi-final loss).
### **3. The 2020 IPL Final - Leading MI to a 5th Title** **Date:** November 10, 2020 ** Venue:** Dubai International Stadium
Under Rohit’s guidance, Mumbai Indians smashed Delhi Capitals by **5 wickets** to win their **5th IPL title**. His tactical brilliance—using Bumrah & Boult in critical moments—was vital.
**Why it was shocking?** - MI became the most successful IPL franchise.
- Rohit played despite a hamstring ailment.
### **4. The 2023 ODI World Cup Heartbreak – A Captain’s Agony** ** Date:** November 19, 2023 ** Venue:** Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Rohit led India to **10 straight wins** in the World Cup but fell short in the final against Australia. His aggressive **47 (31 balls)** gave hope, but India succumbed to **240 all out**.
**Why it was shocking?** - India’s dominance run ended brutally.
- Rohit’s passionate post-match response shattered millions of hearts.
### **5. The 2021 T20 World Cup Disaster – India’s Early Exit** **Date:** October-November 2021 **Venue:** UAE
India, led by Virat Kohli but highly reliant on Rohit, suffered **early defeats to Pakistan & New Zealand** and failed to reach the semis. Rohit’s **30 vs Pakistan** was unimpressive.
**Why it was shocking?** - India, the favorites, dropped out early. - Rohit subsequently took over T20I captaincy and rebuilt the team.
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## **Conclusion: Rohit Sharma’s Legacy**
Rohit Sharma’s career is a combination of **glorious highs and heartbreaking lows**, but his effect on Indian cricket is unmistakable. From being a brilliant teenager to becoming a record-breaking captain, his story inspires millions.
Whether it’s his **five IPL titles**, his **three ODI double tons**, or his **World Cup heartbreaks**, Rohit Sharma remains one of cricket’s most interesting figures.
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