Many players have made a significant impact in the world of cricket, serving their nations with utmost dedication. Cricket players are celebrated not only in their own countries but also globally. In India, despite hockey being the national game, cricket is the most widely played and followed sport, with each match treated as a festival. This enthusiasm is largely credited to the players who make the game exciting and unique. This article delves into the biography of one such Indian cricketer who has immensely contributed to the success of Indian cricket. He is currently one of the finest openers across all game formats. Let’s explore more about him.

Who Is Rohit Sharma?

Rohit Sharma is a cricket superstar from India, widely regarded as one of the finest and most talented batters in the country. He has established himself as a key player for the Indian cricket team in ODIs, Tests, and T20s. Known for his prowess in Test-match batting, Rohit is also the captain of the Mumbai Indians, a team owned by the Ambani Group. He holds the unique record of scoring two double centuries in one-day internationals.

Early Life

Born on April 30, 1987, Rohit Sharma is the son of Gurunath Sharma and Purnima Sharma. He has a sibling and spent his early years in a financially struggling household. Due to financial constraints, Rohit spent his youth with his grandfather, visiting his parents occasionally. His interest in cricket began at a young age, and his uncle arranged for him to attend a cricket camp. Initially starting as a bowler, Rohit’s batting talent emerged after he scored a century in a school tournament. Recognizing his potential, his coach, Dinesh Lad, secured a scholarship for him at a different school.

Marriage and Family Life

Ritika Sajdeh, a sports event organizer, is also the cousin of cricketer Yuvraj Singh. Rohit and Ritika had known each other for six years before getting married. Despite initial friction, they became close friends and later started dating. Rohit proposed to Ritika at a special spot in Borivali Sports Club, Mumbai, with a diamond ring. They got engaged and married on December 13, 2015, at the Taj Lands Resort in Mumbai. Their marriage was attended by celebrities from cricket, cinema, and business. The couple welcomed a daughter, Samaira, on December 30, 2018.

Career as a Player

Domestic Cricket

Rohit Sharma’s batting impressed many coaches, leading to his selection for the Western Zone against the Central Zone in the 2005 Deodhar Trophy. Though his initial performance was modest, he shone with an unbeaten 142 against the Northern Zone, catapulting him into the spotlight. This performance earned him a place in the thirty-man squad for the Champions Trophy and selection for the NKP Salve Trophy. His consistent performance led to his selection for India A and the Ranji Trophy in 2006, where he continued to impress with his batting.

International Cricket

Rohit made a remarkable 50 against South Africa in a T20 encounter in September 2007, showcasing his talent against fast bowling. His steady domestic performance earned him a spot in the Indian team against Ireland, and he made a strong impact with a century against Pakistan. His standout ODI performance against Pakistan in Australia marked his arrival on the international stage. Despite initial setbacks and stiff competition, Rohit’s resilience saw him through. He was named Man of the Series during the West Indies tour post-2011 World Cup and continued his stellar form, including a record-breaking double century against Australia in the 2013 Champions Trophy.

IPL

Rohit Sharma has had an illustrious IPL career, starting with the Deccan Chargers and later leading the Mumbai Indians as captain. Under his leadership, the Mumbai Indians won the IPL championship in 2015. Rohit’s batting prowess in the IPL is commendable, with nearly four thousand runs at an impressive average.

Business Ventures

Rohit ventured into entrepreneurship in 2015 with an investment in Rapidobotics, a robotic automation solutions firm. He diversified his portfolio with an investment in Veiroots Wellness Solutions in 2021. His endorsements with major brands like CEAT, Hublot, Maggi, Lay’s, Nissan, Oral B, Dream11, Oppo, Adidas, and Aristocrat add to his revenue streams.

Net Worth

Rohit Sharma’s net worth is estimated at Rs 162 crores. As part of the A+ category of cricketers, the BCCI pays him Rs 7 crore annually, along with match fees for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. He earns Rs 15 crores playing for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and charges around 20 to 30 lakhs per endorsement.

Awards and Recognition

Rohit Sharma has received numerous awards, including:

• Arjuna Award (2015): For outstanding achievement in national sports.
• ESPN Awards: For his double centuries in ODIs.
• Best T20 Batting Performance (2015): For his century against South Africa.
• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2020): India’s highest sporting honor.

Rohit Sharma’s journey is a testament to his hard work, consistency, and perseverance, making him a celebrated figure in Indian cricket and an inspiration to many.