Rohit Sharma: Career Profile of India’s Record-Setting Opener

Early life and rise

Rohit Sharma was born in Nagpur in 1987 and grew up in Mumbai, where he developed through the city’s club system. He made his international debut in 2007 in a one-day match against Ireland and was part of the India squad that won the inaugural T20 World Cup that year. For several years he was regarded as a talented middle-order batter who had yet to fulfil his promise.

Becoming an opener

His career changed when he was moved to open the batting in one-day cricket in 2013. Free from the pressure of rebuilding an innings, he showed a relaxed, unhurried style, using timing more than power. He made his Test debut in November 2013 against West Indies in Kolkata and scored a century in that first match.

Career highlights

Rohit is the only batter to have scored three double centuries in one-day internationals. His 209 against Australia in Bengaluru came in 2013, his 264 against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in 2014 is the highest individual score in the format, and his 208 not out against Sri Lanka in Mohali followed in 2017.

At the 2019 World Cup he scored five centuries in a single tournament, a record for any World Cup. In the Indian Premier League he captained Mumbai Indians to titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and he had won an earlier title with Deccan Chargers in 2009.

He led India to victory at the 2024 T20 World Cup and then retired from T20 internationals. The statistics in this profile reflect his record up to the end of 2024.

Legacy

Rohit is remembered for his elegant batting and his ability to turn starts into huge scores. His record-breaking innings and his success in franchise cricket have secured his place among the most influential limited-overs batters of his generation.

Frequently asked questions

How many ODI double centuries has Rohit Sharma scored?

He has scored three: 209 against Australia in 2013, 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 and 208 not out against Sri Lanka in 2017.

What is Rohit Sharma’s highest ODI score?

His highest one-day international score is 264, made against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in 2014.

How many IPL titles has Rohit Sharma won as captain?

He captained Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.