Page 48 - The Indian EYE 091925

STUMP VISION SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 | The Indian Eye 48

ROHIT SHARMA

THE HITMAN’S PAST GLORY

AND THE ROAD AHEAD

As Rohit Sharma prepares for another Australian challenge, his journey from record-breaker to one-day

guardian reflects both cricketing brilliance and a future still worth watching.

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai
hen Rohit Sharma walked into the nets
this week, posting clips of his fluent drives
Wand crisp pulls on Instagram, it wasn’t
just a routine training session. For Indian cricket,
it marked the return of a man who, at 38, has tran-
sitioned from being a multi-format mainstay to the
last standing guardian of India’s one-day hopes.
The ODI series against Australia in October may
just be another bilateral contest, but for Rohit, it is
part of a larger journey—balancing his legacy, his
critics, and the final chapters of an extraordinary
career.

FROM TALENT TO TITAN

ohit’s career has been one of transforma-
tion. Debuting in 2007, he took years to
Rcement his place. The turning point came Rohit Sharma (ANI)
in 2013 when then-captain MS Dhoni promoted
him as an opener in ODIs. From there, Rohit nev- he never quite reached the lofty heights of a Ten- approach to 50-over cricket, and his leadership
er looked back. His artistry at the top of the order dulkar or Dravid in red-ball cricket, his sparkling during the 2023 World Cup make him a modern
combined elegance with ruthless hitting, earning 212 against South Africa in 2019 and his steady legend in his own right. Greatness, after all, comes
him the nickname “Hitman.” contributions in World Test Championship cycles in different shades.
With 11,168 runs in 273 ODIs at an average showcased his adaptability.
of 48.76, including 32 centuries, Rohit is India’s In T20Is, Rohit leaves behind an unmatched THE FUTURE IN BLUE
fourth-highest run-getter in the format. His re- record: 4,231 runs, five centuries (most by any bat-
cord-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 re- ter), and 205 sixes—the highest in the format. His ow, with the whites and the T20Is behind
mains the highest individual ODI score, a feat that 35-ball century against Sri Lanka in 2017 is still him, Rohit’s eyes are firmly set on ODIs. His
still defines his explosive potential. Adding to his talked about as one of the most destructive innings Nupcoming assignment in Australia, starting
aura are the three ODI double hundreds—some- in the shortest format. Retiring after leading India October 19, is significant. Australia has been a hap-
thing no other batter in the world has achieved. to the T20 World Cup 2024 title was a fitting end to py hunting ground—1,328 runs in 30 matches at an
His performances in World Cups underline his his chapter in the shortest format. average of 53.12, with five centuries, including the
impact on the big stage. In 2019, Rohit lit up En- famous 171* at Perth in 2016. For India, a strong
gland with five centuries, finishing as the tourna- DEBATES ON GREATNESS showing there will be vital preparation ahead of the
ment’s highest run-getter with 648 runs. Four years ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
later, in 2023 at home, his blistering starts set the ven as fans celebrate his achievements, de- At 38, Rohit’s fitness and workload are under
tone for India’s dominant run to the final, where he bates rage on about his place among Indian constant scrutiny. Yet, his recent training videos
ended as the second-highest scorer with 597 runs. Ecricket’s all-time greats. Former cricketer showed him leaner and sharper, a sign that he is de-
Few players have combined consistency with flair Sanjay Manjrekar recently stirred controversy by termined to extend his ODI chapter. For a gener-
in global events like Rohit. leaving Rohit out of the list of batting immortals ation of fans who have grown up with his effortless
like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dra- six-hitting and commanding captaincy, the hope is
THE TEST AND T20 CHAPTERS CLOSE vid, and Virat Kohli. that he will script at least one more glorious act.
“Rohit Sharma does not fit in the all-time In- Rohit Sharma’s journey has been about tim-
hile his ODI legacy is unquestionable, dian batting great list because we’re talking about ing—late recognition, late dominance in Tests, and
Rohit’s decision earlier this year to retire legends,” Manjrekar argued, while also acknowl- timely exits from formats. As he stands on the cusp
Wfrom Tests and T20Is marked a shift in edging Rohit’s selflessness and his unique contri- of what could be his final stretch in international
his cricketing focus. His Test career—67 matches, butions as captain in ODIs. cricket, the “Hitman” continues to symbolize the
4,301 runs, 12 centuries—was a late bloom, particu- For many fans, though, Rohit’s unmatched beauty of timing in cricket—both with the bat and
larly as an opener between 2019 and 2024. Though ODI records, his role in transforming India’s with life decisions.

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