Rohit Sharma: India's 'Hitman' and One of T20 Cricket's Greatest Openers
Rohit Sharma is one of the greatest opening batters in cricket history, holding the record for most centuries in ODI cricket and becoming the only player to score three ODI double centuries, while also leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Rohit Gurunath Sharma — 'the Hitman' — is one of the most accomplished batters in cricket history and India's most successful white-ball captain. Born in Bansod, Nagpur in 1987, Rohit played for India from 2007 across all three formats, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated opening batters the game has produced. His ODI record is extraordinary: he holds the record for the most ODI centuries (29 as of 2024) and is the only player in history to score three ODI double centuries — 209 vs Australia (2013), 264 vs Sri Lanka (2014) and 208* vs Sri Lanka (2017) — making him statistically the greatest ODI innings player ever. His 264 against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in 2014 is the highest individual score in ODI cricket. As India's T20 and ODI captain, Rohit led the side to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title — India's first ICC tournament win in 11 years — playing in the West Indies and the United States. His batting in T20 cricket is built on explosive powerplay hitting — his ability to see the ball early and hit it hard from the first delivery makes him one of the most destructive powerplay batters of any era.
ODI Double Centuries
Rohit's three ODI double centuries are unprecedented — no other player has scored more than one. His 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest ODI score in history. Each double century was scored in India and reflected his ability to convert big starts into truly massive innings. His technique at the top of an ODI innings — particularly against spin — and his ability to shift through gears in the final overs have made his ODI batting record exceptional.
T20 World Cup 2024
Rohit's finest moment as a captain was leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. India went through the tournament unbeaten, with Rohit himself providing explosive starts as an opener. The final against South Africa was a tense match that India won comfortably in the end; Rohit's tactical decisions throughout the tournament drew widespread praise. He announced retirement from T20 internationals after the title.
Frequently asked questions
How many ODI centuries has Rohit Sharma scored?
Rohit has scored 29 ODI centuries — the most by any player in ODI cricket history — at an ODI average above 48. He is the only player to have scored three ODI double centuries, including the highest individual ODI score of 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014.
Did Rohit Sharma win the T20 World Cup?
Yes. Rohit captained India to the ICC T20 World Cup title in 2024, played in the West Indies and USA. India went through the tournament unbeaten and defeated South Africa in the final, ending an 11-year ICC tournament drought for India.
What is Rohit Sharma's nickname?
Rohit is known as 'the Hitman' — a nickname reflecting his ability to hit the ball with great power and timing, particularly in the powerplay overs of ODI and T20 cricket. He is also known for his elegant, effortless batting style that makes difficult shots look simple.