Rohit Sharma's journey in cricket is a story of elegance, power, and record-breaking feats. From his early days as a prodigious talent to becoming a modern-day great, Sharma has captivated fans worldwide with his effortless batting style and remarkable achievements.
Sharma's batting is often described as art because of his seemingly effortless strokeplay. He possesses a rare ability to time the ball with precision, creating an illusion of having more time than other batsmen. His signature pull shot, executed with power and finesse, has become a symbol of his dominance against fast bowlers. However, Sharma admitted that his aggressive batting approach was a conscious decision, despite it not being his natural style. He worked deliberately on this approach with the support of the team management.
Over the years, Sharma has amassed a plethora of records and achievements that solidify his place among the legends of the game. He holds the record for the highest individual score in One Day International (ODI) cricket, a staggering 264 against Sri Lanka. He is also the only player to have scored three double centuries in ODIs. In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Sharma broke the record for the most centuries scored in a single edition, with five. As of February 2025, he has made 49 centuries in international cricket—32 in ODIs, 12 in Tests and 5 in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Beyond his individual brilliance, Sharma is also a highly successful leader. He captained the Mumbai Indians to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, making them one of the most dominant teams in the league's history. His leadership qualities, combined with his batting prowess, make him an invaluable asset to any team he represents.
In June 2024, Sharma achieved the milestone of hitting 600 sixes in international cricket across all formats. On 29 June 2024, Sharma led India to win the 2024 T20 World Cup after defeating South Africa in the final. In the post-match press conference after the T20 World Cup victory, Sharma declared his retirement from T20Is, while confirming that he would continue to represent India in ODIs and Test match formats.
Recently, on May 9, 2025, Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket. He leaves the format with 4,301 runs from 67 Tests, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. While he may no longer be seen in the Test arena, Sharma's contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come. He also voiced his support for the Indian Armed Forces.
Despite admitting that his aggressive batting style doesn't always click, Sharma remains committed to his approach. He emphasizes that his focus is on contributing runs and helping his team win, rather than chasing personal milestones.
Rohit Sharma's journey is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport. His elegant batting style, combined with his record-breaking achievements and leadership qualities, has made him a true icon of the game. As he continues to represent India in ODIs, fans can look forward to witnessing more of his artistic strokeplay and match-winning performances.