Title: The Rohit Sharma Story – The Rise of the Hitman
Author: R Kaushik
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Genre: Biography
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Price: INR 595
My Take:
This biography, written by R Kaushik, traces the evolution of Rohit Sharma as one of the greatest cricketers produced by Mumbai and India. The book begins with an introduction by Ritika Sajdeh, Rohit’s better half and a prologue that describes the feather in Rohit’s cap, leading the Indian team to a thumping victory in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
The early chapters give us a glimpse into how destiny played a role in churning out this brilliant performer for India. Rohit’s father, who was an employee in a transport company, wanted to move his family from Borivali to Dombivli in Mumbai. It was his grandmother who insisted that Rohit grow up in Borivali under the care of his grandmother and uncle, as he was the first grandchild of the extended family.
The author outlines how this insistence on the part of the family matriarch sparked a series of events that ended with Rohit’s joining the SVIS school, renowned for churning out cricketers. The first person to notice Rohit’s talent was his coach at SVIS, Dinesh Lad, who also convinced the school’s principal to waive the high fee, which Rohit’s family could not afford.
The book takes us fluently and with extreme clarity about how Rohit was initially touted as an off-spinner, but thanks to a chance observation by one of his coaches, he evolved as a batter. We are also told about Rohit’s performances in the Giles Shield, the Harris Shield and other such tournaments. He also played for Rizvi College.
The book then tells us about how Rohit emerged as a force to reckon with as a player for the West Zone. The author takes us through some of Rohit’s early triumphs and disappointments. The book goes on to detail Rohit’s emergence on the international scene at first as a white ball cricketer and then, much later, as an entrant into test cricket.
Rohit’s technique and the adjustments he had to make to become a white ball opener from a middle-order batter are all beautifully described. Another factor that explains his late entry into test cricket was the injury he suffered in 2010. This delayed his entry into test cricket till 2013. All this and more are narrated with aplomb in this masterfully written biography.
The author also touches upon how Rohit earned the moniker of Hitman because of his ability to notch up any number of sixes in his game. Double centuries in one day Internationals are no mean feat, and Rohit has proved his mettle by scoring quite a few.
The chapters I liked best are the ones where the author gives us a glimpse of Rohit Sharma the cricketer and Rohit Sharma the man through the eyes of his best friends like Abhishek Nayar, Dinesh Karthik and coaches like Rahul Dravid, Vikram Rathour, R Sridhar and several others.
The author tells us that Rohit’s fundamental ideology when it comes to his game is that the team comes first. He comes across as a captain who leads from the front. The author draws our attention to the easy-going nature of Rohit Sharma, the individual who, at the same time, is meticulous when it comes to his games. I loved the anecdotes about his forgetfulness. Examples are provided that tell us about his excellent man-management skills.
The author describes the challenges faced by Rohit once he became the captain in all three formats and how he managed them. As a captain, he comes across as an astute tactician. His motto, as always, is to set an example as a captain who walks the talk. The author also stresses the fact that Rohit speaks his mind, but at the same time, makes sure what he says does not sound hurtful.
The author brings out Rohit’s severe disappointment when India lost in the ICC ODI World Cup final against Australia in 2023. The author tells us about how deeply hurt he was and how determined he was to bring back the ICC T20 World Cup home.
The glossy pictures in the middle of the book are a treat to look at. They show Rohit executing several classic strokes. Of these, I loved the picture where he is pulling a short-pitched delivery to the boundary the most.
It would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention the book’s chapters on Rohit’s IPL career. His early IPL career with Deccan Chargers and later the 5 IPL victories under his belt as the captain of the Mumbai Indians franchise are all traced out in detail. The epilogue describes India’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign in which India triumphed again under Rohit.
Rohit Sharma also comes across as a devoted family man in addition to being a cricketer par excellence. The author has shed some light on his philanthropic activities, too. The author tells us that Rohit loves the ocean, and plastic pollution is something he abhors. It is also mentioned that Rohit has not changed much from the young man he was in 2007. The author tells us that he keeps in touch with his old friends, and that is indeed a sign of great humility.
This biography, comprising 191 pages with some devastatingly beautiful pictures, is a must-read for a cricket lover. The book is written in crisp language and is unputdownable. I read it in two days flat, and I enjoyed every bit of the read. Do pick it up.
Rating: I am going with a 5/5 for this biography of an outstanding cricketer by R Kaushik. Do pick it uo.
Rating Scale:
1 Poor
2 Fair
3 Good
4 Excellent
5 Outstanding
I was sent a review copy of this book by Rupa Publications
