Image source: Mumbai Indians
HITMAN DOES NOT NEED A BODYGUARD…… TOP 5 MOMENT OF ROHIT SHARMA IN THE IPL
Rohit Sharma or “hitman” as fans across the globe fondly call him, is one of the best players in the world. His 3 double centuries in ODI cricket, his insane hitting abilities, and also his knowledge of the game make him the best. Rohit is also the most successful player in the IPL, and that speaks volumes. The IPL as we all know is one of the most difficult tournaments ever, and to perform consistently every season is just a testimony to this man’s greatness. Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians is also the most successful team in the IPL. Under Rohit’s captaincy, Mumbai Indians have lifted the trophy a record 5 times, and also the only team other than MS Dhoni’s Chennai, to win back-to-back titles. Rohit on the other hand has lifted the trophy a record 6 times, 1 with Deccan Chargers and 5 with Mumbai Indians. The “HItman” is third on the list, of players with the most runs in IPL. He has scored a total of 5292 in just 202 matches, but we all know this number is going to increase by the end o this season.
Rohit started his IPL career with the Deccan Chargers, where he performed consistently. In 2011, he was acquired by Mumbai Indians, and from there on, Mumbai Indians and Rohit Sharma’s love blossomed, as strong as Romeo and Juliet. Mumbai appointed Rohit as their captain in 2013. Other than the 6 IPL trophies, Rohit has also won the Champions League T20 title in 2013, with MI.
To commemorate Rohit’s success in the IPL, we will be looking at his top 5 moments in the IPL, and let me say, this was hard!
FIRST IPL WIN WITH DECCAN CHARGERS IN 2009:
I am sure this is a moment close to Rohit’s heart as well. The inaugural edition of the IPL saw Rajasthan clinch the title but in the 2009 edition, Adam Gilchrist led Deccan Chargers surprised us all. They beat Royal Challenger Bangalore in the final to clinch their maiden title, among the squad was a young Rohit Sharma. Rohit performed consistently in that tournament. He played all 16 matches and scored 362 runs, with a high score of 52. He provided a variety in the batting order, that consisted of big-name players like Gilchrist, Laxman, Dwayne Smith, Andrew Symonds. Apart from his batting, Rohit also managed to pick up 11 wickets that season. His best bowling figure of 4/6 will make anyone wonder, why he doesn’t bowl today? This was Rohit Sharma’s first taste of the IPL trophy, but little did he know, he will be lifting it another 5 times.
FIRST IPL CENTURY:
Scoring a century is a great feeling, and when it is your first, the feeling is even more amazing. I am sure that is how Rohit Sharma would have felt. Rohit’s first IPL century came against Kolkata Knight Riders. After the legendary Sachin Tendulkar had failed to open the innings, Rohit Sharma stepped up and took full charge. He scored 109 not out on just 60 balls. In that innings, he smashed 5 sixes and 12 fours, showing the world glimpses of his “hitman” ability. Rohit had a strike rate of 181 and his batting prowess allowed Mumbai to put 182 on the scoreboard, which they defended easily. This is the only century Rohit has in the IPL, but I’m certain in the coming years we can definitely see one more.
FIRST IPL TROPHY WITH MUMBAI INDIANS:
As mentioned, Rohit took over the captaincy from the legendary Ricky Ponting, and it was clear, he had big shoes to fill. Up to that point, MI had not won the trophy and you could most definitely see the frustration on the MI player’s face. Rohit only 25 at that time, took control of a squad that had some big-name players, Sachin Tendulkar, Dwayne Smith, Malinga and not to mention, Ricky Ponting. Rohit took over the captaincy during the season and led from the front. MI was successful in their task and managed to beat CSK in the final. Rohit had a pretty successful time with the bat as well, as he played 19 matches and scored a total of 538 runs. This was also Sachin Tendulkar’s last season, and what a way to send off the legend.
FIRST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY:
In that same year, MI had also qualified for the Champions League trophy. They had some tough competition, but Rohit Sharma stayed calm and collected and managed to lead the team to their maiden Champions League trophy as well. In the final, Mumbai faced Rajasthan. Thanks to brilliant batting from Dwayne Smith and excellent bowling by Harbhajan Singh, they were able to win the title, and also seal Rohit’s place as the MI captain. Probably the best decision the MI management team ever made.
2020 IPL TROPHY:
This one was probably the hardest of them all. It was either the 2020 IPL trophy or the 2015 season, where MI staged a late comeback and managed to win the trophy. But in the end, I went with the 2020 IPL trophy. The reason why I chose this is that, even after the lockdown and what had just happened, the Mumbai players, each and every time that came out to play looked ready and revamped. This just shows how much of an influence Rohit has on the team, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. Also, during that whole depressing year, MI’s success would have brought joy to a lot of people.
These are, in my opinion, of course, some of the best Rohit Sharma moments in the IPL. Can Rohit defend his title this season? Whatever it is, we all know he is a legend of the game.
