Rohit Sharma: India's Most Successful Captain and Six-Hitting Legend
Rohit Sharma is one of cricket's greatest white-ball batters — India's most successful modern captain (T20 WC 2024 and CT 2025 titles), a six-hitting specialist who holds the record for the most ODI double centuries (three), retired from international cricket in 2025.
Rohit Sharma, born April 30, 1987, captained India across all three formats from 2022 until his retirement in 2025 — widely regarded as India's most successful modern captain. Known as 'Hitman' for his ability to hit sixes with extraordinary power and timing, he holds the unique record for the most ODI double centuries (three, including the all-time high of 264). As India's captain, he ended India's 11-year ICC title drought with the 2024 T20 World Cup win and then the 2025 Champions Trophy (beating New Zealand in Dubai), before retiring from Tests and ODIs in 2025. Shubman Gill succeeded him as India's Test and ODI captain.
The Three ODI Double Centuries
Rohit Sharma holds the unique distinction of being the only batter in ODI history to score three double centuries: 209 against Australia in Bengaluru (2013), 264 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata (2014, the highest individual score in ODI history), and 208 not out against Sri Lanka in Mohali (2017). The 264 is an extraordinary achievement — scoring more than any other individual in the history of the format across 4,000+ ODIs. These innings cemented his status as the greatest ODI opener of his era.
T20 World Cup 2024 — India's Title
Rohit Sharma captained India to their first T20 World Cup title since 2007 — winning the 2024 tournament held in the West Indies and USA. The final against South Africa by 7 runs was India's first ICC title in 11 years. Rohit announced his T20 international retirement immediately after the victory. He then led India to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy (beating New Zealand by 4 wickets in Dubai) before retiring from Tests and ODIs. His captaincy legacy: two ICC titles in under 12 months.
Mumbai Indians and IPL Legacy
Rohit Sharma is synonymous with Mumbai Indians — the most successful franchise in IPL history. As captain, he led MI to IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 — five titles in eight years, a dynasty unmatched in franchise cricket. His captaincy style is calm under pressure, instinctive with field placements, and notably successful in leveraging the depth of Mumbai's squad. He remains one of the most commercially valuable and recognisable cricket figures globally.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rohit Sharma's nickname and why?
Rohit Sharma's nickname is 'Hitman' — a reference to his ability to hit the ball to the boundary and over it with extraordinary power and timing. He is known for sixes that are hit with seemingly effortless timing rather than brute force, particularly off the back foot and through the leg side. He holds the record for the most sixes in ODI international cricket history.
What is the highest individual score in ODI cricket history?
The highest individual score in ODI cricket history is 264 — scored by Rohit Sharma for India against Sri Lanka in Kolkata on November 13, 2014. The innings included 33 fours and 9 sixes. Rohit is also the only batter to have scored three ODI double centuries (209, 264, 208*).
How many IPL titles has Rohit Sharma won?
Rohit Sharma has won five IPL titles as captain of Mumbai Indians — in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. This is the most IPL titles won by any captain in the competition's history and makes Mumbai Indians the most successful franchise in the IPL.