On April 30, 2025, as we celebrate 38th birthday of Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the “Hitman,” it’s the perfect time to revisit his extraordinary contributions to the Indian Premier League (IPL). A stalwart of the tournament since its inception, Rohit Sharma has dazzled fans with his elegant strokeplay and match-winning performances.
Starting his IPL journey with Deccan Chargers and later becoming the face of Mumbai Indians, he has clinched six IPL titles, including one as a player in 2009 and five as captain. His ability to rise to the occasion in pressure situations has made him a fan favorite and a T20 legend. Here, we delve into three of his most memorable IPL knocks, each a testament to his skill, temperament, and leadership.
Paltan, aaj apne 𝐑𝐎 ka 𝘸𝘰𝘩 hai! 🎂🥳
Aur issi baat par, let’s read about what makes Hitman… ℍ𝕀𝕋𝕄𝔸ℕ!! 💙👇https://t.co/noGkEwwW4C#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #RohitSharma #HappyBirthdayRohitSharma
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 30, 2025
1. Deccan Charges vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2009) – 32 (13)
In the 2009 IPL season, held in South Africa due to security concerns in India, Rohit Sharma was a key member of the Deccan Chargers, who went on to win the title. One of the standout moments of that campaign came on May 16, 2009, against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Chasing a target of 160, Deccan Chargers found themselves in a tight spot, needing 21 runs off the final over bowled by KKR’s Mashrafe Mortaza. With the match hanging in the balance, Rohit Sharma stepped up to deliver one of the most iconic finishes in IPL history.
Rohit, batting at a critical juncture, faced immense pressure as the equation seemed nearly impossible. On the third ball of the over, Mortaza bowled a full toss, which Rohit dispatched for a colossal 115-meter six over midwicket, one of the biggest hits of the tournament. This reduced the target to 15 runs off 5 balls.
Undeterred, Rohit smashed another six off a short delivery, bringing the equation to 9 runs off 4 balls. With the crowd roaring, he followed up with a boundary and another six, sealing a dramatic six-wicket victory on the last ball. His unbeaten 32 off 13 balls, comprising 3 fours and 2 sixes, earned him the Player of the Match award. Beyond the numbers, this knock showcased Rohit’s composure and ability to dominate even the most challenging situations, setting the tone for Deccan Chargers’ triumphant campaign.
2. Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (2015 Final) – 50 (26)
The IPL 2015 final on May 24, 2015, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, was a showcase of Rohit Sharma’s leadership and batting prowess as he guided Mumbai Indians to their second IPL title against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Mumbai Indians needed a strong foundation to challenge CSK’s formidable lineup. Rohit, opening the batting, delivered a blistering 50 off 26 balls, setting the tone for a commanding total of 202/5.
From the second over, Rohit Sharma was in sublime touch, attacking CSK’s bowlers with precision and aggression. He struck 6 fours and 2 sixes, displaying his trademark cover drives and lofted shots. His 100-run partnership with Lendl Simmons for the second wicket was pivotal, accelerating the scoring rate and putting CSK on the back foot.
Rohit’s innings ended when he was caught at long-on off Dwayne Bravo, but his 50 had already shifted the momentum. CSK, chasing 203, struggled against Mumbai’s bowling attack and finished at 161/8, falling 41 runs short. Rohit’s match-defining knock earned him the Player of the Match award, and his leadership was instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ comprehensive victory. This innings remains a testament to his ability to dominate in high-stakes matches and lead from the front.
3. Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2012) – 109* (60)
On May 12, 2012, Rohit Sharma produced a batting masterclass against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, scoring his first and only IPL century. In the 58th match of the IPL 2012 season, Mumbai Indians, batting first, aimed to bolster their playoff chances. Rohit, coming in at number three, played an innings of sheer dominance, scoring an unbeaten 109 off 60 balls to power his team to a formidable 182/1.
Rohit’s innings was a blend of elegance and power, featuring 12 fours and 5 sixes. He reached his fifty in 29 balls and accelerated to his hundred in 52, showcasing his ability to pace his innings perfectly. His 150-run partnership with Herschelle Gibbs for the second wicket dismantled KKR’s bowling attack, with Rohit particularly severe on spinners and pacers alike.
Rohit Sharma’s cover drives and lofted shots lit up Eden Gardens, leaving the home crowd in awe. KKR, chasing 183, managed only 155/4, losing by 27 runs. Rohit’s century, one of the standout individual performances of the season, earned him the Player of the Match award and remains a benchmark for batsmen in the IPL. This knock underscored his ability to single-handedly turn the game in his team’s favor and solidified his reputation as a T20 great.
Rohit Sharma’s humongous career
Rohit Sharma’s IPL career is a saga of brilliance, leadership, and unforgettable performances. The three knocks highlighted here—32* off 13 balls in 2009, 50 off 26 balls in the 2015 final, and 109* off 60 balls in 2012—encapsulate his ability to deliver in diverse situations, from last-over thrillers to title-deciding finals and record-breaking centuries.
Each innings reflects his composure, skill, and match-winning mentality. As we celebrate his birthday on April 30, 2025, these moments remind us why Rohit is revered as the “Hitman”. His contributions to the IPL, both as a batsman and captain, have left an indelible mark on the tournament.