In Pics| Evolution Of Rohit Sharma In IPL Over The Years

In April 2008, Rohit Sharma, a promising 21-year-old, burst onto the scene as one of the most thrilling talents in the IPL. Initially donning the colors of the Deccan Chargers, he later transitioned to the Mumbai Indians after being acquired in the 2011 auctions.

Despite Rohit not having his most impressive season with the bat, the team successfully reversed their first-year struggles and secured the title. Their journey was aided by fortunate circumstances, as key losses from Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals paved the way for the Chargers to reach the semi-finals.

With a string of successes in the Indian team, Rohit also found his stride in the IPL. Set for his Test debut in 2010, an injury just before the match delayed his debut.

In his final season with the Deccan Chargers, Rohit scored over 400 runs, including three fifties. Despite initial setbacks, the team rallied, winning five consecutive matches to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Rohit was acquired for a whopping $2 million in the recent auction, emerging as a pivotal figure in the revival of the Mumbai franchise, transforming them into one of the tournament's powerhouses. Throughout the season, he showcased his prowess with the bat, notching up three half-centuries, with a career-high score of 87. His role as the steady anchor amidst the team's more flamboyant players in the batting order was crucial to their success.

Just before the season opener, Sachin Tendulkar handed over the captaincy to Harbhajan Singh, propelling Rohit into a more prominent role. Against the eventual champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rohit notched his first and only IPL century, cementing his position as a key player in the Mumbai line-up.

In a breakthrough year, Rohit Sharma rose from a promising talent to a prominent leader, taking over from Ricky Ponting as captain. After a mixed start to the tournament with four wins and losses each, the team rallied with six consecutive victories, securing the title. Rohit's stellar form saw him score 538 runs with four half-centuries.??

There was much anticipation for the Mumbai Indians, counting on both the team and Rohit Sharma to replicate their previous year's success. With a formidable lineup featuring established players, hopes were high. Despite facing setbacks with five losses in the UAE leg, they showcased resilience with an impressive turnaround. Notably, they even achieved a stunning feat by chasing down a 190-run target in just 15 overs. However, their journey came to an end in the eliminator match against the Chennai Super Kings.

The Mumbai Indians surged to their second IPL title with a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, orchestrating a remarkable turnaround after a shaky start. With nine victories in their last matches, they rode on the brilliance of players like the Pandya brothers, Jasprit Bumrah, and Lendl Simmons to clinch the championship. Despite narrowly missing out on his second IPL century, Rohit Sharma had another prolific season, amassing nearly 500 runs and playing a pivotal role in his team's success.??

Following their 2015 IPL triumph, the subsequent year was disappointing for the team. They finished fifth in the table, missing out on the playoffs. With only two batsmen, including Rohit, crossing 300 runs, their struggle for crucial victories was evident. Injuries disrupted their lineup, leading to a significant composition shakeup. A painful defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad saw them dismissed for under 100 runs. Rohit relied on his usual players, but seasoned campaigners like Harbhajan Singh failed to make their usual impact.??

In a nail-biting finish on a challenging pitch, what truly shone was Hitman's unwavering determination to secure victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Despite the tricky conditions, Rohit, batting at number four, skillfully accumulated runs against the formidable bowling of Yuzvendra Chahal, Aniket Choudhary, Adam Milne, and Shane Watson. His unbeaten 56, comprising six fours and one six, showcased a remarkable strike rate of 151.35, steering MI to a thrilling win with just one ball remaining.