Rohit Sharma

Profile

Rohit Sharma is a spectator’s delight when in full flow. Unlike most others, the right-hander is blessed with the ability to often time his shots a second or two late and still execute them to perfection. Experts and commentators have frequently associated the term “lazy elegance” with his style of batting.

Rohit confidently came off the blocks to aid India’s success at the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007. The promising youngster showed early signs of maturity, when in the 2008 CB Series in Australia; he scored a crucial 66 in the first final at SCG alongside Sachin Tendulkar to see India through. Hyderabad then picked him in the maiden IPL season, and it turned out to be a successful outing for Rohit as he scored 404 runs, including four fifties. The following edition, he bagged a hat-trick, displaying his all-round abilities. He was then signed by the Mumbai, where his form continued. Last ball finishes and a century were some of the highlights of the 2012 season.

However, his batting prowess in domestic cricket didn’t quite translate at the national level, which put his place in the side under immense scrutiny. Owing to inconsistency, Rohit was eventually left out of the 2011 World Cup squad. A last-minute freak injury in 2010 deferred him his maiden Test cap, and thereafter Rohit remained on the fringes. But, ODI form blossomed in the series against West Indies at home and away, where he grabbed the Man of the Series award. Later, he toured the West Indies as part of India A, and surprisingly came good with the ball as well. A recall to the ODI series against Sri Lanka followed, where Rohit hit his lowest ebb, averaging just about 13 with single digit scores, most of them being ducks. Despite receiving a lot of flak, the selectors persisted with him for the 2012 World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

Fast Facts

• Rohit Sharma was the fifth bowler to take an IPL hat-trick and was awarded the best U-23 player in the tournament’s 2nd edition.

---

---

Career

Span: