Happy Birthday Rohit Sharma! The 'Hitman' of Indian cricket turns 37 today

NEW DELHI: Few names shine as brightly as Rohit Sharma in cricket history, and on Tuesday, as the Team India captain marks his 37th birthday, the cricketing world celebrates the journey of this batting maestro.

Rohit's illustrious career, spanning over a decade and a half, has seen remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments. From his emergence as a promising talent at the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 to his current status as one of the most revered figures in the sport, Rohit's evolution has been nothing short of extraordinary.

His ability to anchor innings with grace and power has endeared him to fans worldwide, earning him a reputation as one of the finest batsmen of his generation.

A pivotal moment in Rohit's career came during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where his promotion to the opening slot proved to be a masterstroke. Since then, he has redefined the art of opening batting, amassing over 10,000 runs in ODIs with a staggering average of 49.12, including a monumental 264 – the highest individual score in ODI history.

Not content with excelling in white-ball cricket, Rohit has also left an indelible mark in the longest format of the game. With over 4,000 runs in Test cricket at an average of 45.46, he has cemented his place as a dependable opener, capable of withstanding the toughest bowling attacks.

Rohit's leadership prowess has been on full display, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has led the Mumbai Indians to a record-breaking five titles. His astute captaincy and ability to inspire his teammates have made him a revered figure in the world of T20 cricket.

The 2023 ODI World Cup served as another chapter in Rohit's storied career, where he finished as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, showcasing his mettle on the grandest stage of them all.

As Rohit continues to mesmerize cricketing aficionados with his elegant strokeplay and calm demeanor, his legacy as one of the game's true icons only continues to grow. On his 37th birthday, the cricketing fraternity joins together in celebrating the extraordinary journey of the man affectionately known as the 'Hitman' of Indian cricket.

In 262 ODIs, he has scored 10709 runs at an average of 49.12. He has 31 centuries and 55 fifties in the format, with 264 being his best individual score.

He is the 15th-highest scorer in ODI cricket and the fifth-highest run-scorer among Indians, behind Rahul Dravid (10,768), Sourav Ganguly (11,221), Virat Kohli (13848) and Sachin Tendulkar (18426 runs).