Rohit Sharma, one of the most prominent cricketers in the world, has established himself not only as a successful sportsman but also as a financial powerhouse. His estimated net worth in 2024 stands at around ₹214 crores (approximately $26 million). This impressive figure is a result of his long-standing career in cricket, where he has excelled as a batsman and captain. Alongside his match-winning performances, Rohit has attracted numerous endorsements from major brands, significantly boosting his income. His investments in various business ventures, including sports teams and fitness initiatives, have also contributed to his growing wealth. As he continues to achieve milestones in cricket, Rohit Sharma’s financial success mirrors his dedication and talent, making him a leading figure in the sports world and an inspiration for aspiring athletes.
Early Life
Rohit Sharma was born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, a small town in the Nagpur district of Maharashtra, India. He comes from a humble background, and his early years were marked by financial constraints. His father, Gurunath Sharma, worked as a caretaker in a transport firm storehouse, while his mother, Purnima Sharma, is a homemaker. Due to their limited financial resources, Rohit was raised by his grandparents and uncles in Borivali, Mumbai, while his parents and younger brother Vishal lived in a small house in Dombivli.
Rohit’s passion for cricket was evident from a young age. He initially started playing as a bowler, but his talent as a batsman was soon recognized by his school coach, Dinesh Lad, who encouraged him to focus on batting. Lad played a crucial role in shaping Rohit’s cricketing career, even offering him a scholarship to study and train at Swami Vivekanand International School, where he could access better facilities.
Cricket Career
Domestic Cricket
Rohit Sharma made his debut in the domestic cricket circuit at a young age. He played his first List A match for West Zone against Central Zone in the Deodhar Trophy in 2005. His impressive performance in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Deodhar Trophy quickly caught the selectors’ attention. One of his most memorable early performances came in the 2006-07 season of the Ranji Trophy, where he scored a double century for Mumbai against Gujarat, showcasing his potential as a top-order batsman.
International Debut
Rohit Sharma made his One-Day International (ODI) debut for India in June 2007 against Ireland in Belfast. His initial years in international cricket were marked by inconsistency, which saw him in and out of the team. Despite his evident talent, he struggled to cement his place in the squad.
However, his fortunes changed in 2013 when he was promoted to open the batting in ODIs. This move proved to be a turning point in his career. His first major breakthrough came when he scored 209 runs against Australia in Bangalore in 2013, becoming only the third cricketer to score a double century in ODIs at that time.
Rise as an Opener
Rohit’s promotion to the opening position in ODIs transformed his career. He has since established himself as one of the most prolific opening batsmen in white-ball cricket. Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to score big hundreds, Rohit has a unique record of scoring three double centuries in ODIs, a feat unmatched by any other player. His highest score of 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 is the highest individual score in ODI history.
In Test cricket, Rohit initially struggled to find consistency. However, in 2019, he was again promoted to open the innings, this time in Test matches, during a home series against South Africa. He made an immediate impact, scoring twin centuries in his first match as a Test opener and silencing critics who doubted his ability in the longer format.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
Rohit Sharma’s impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is unparalleled. He started his IPL career with the Deccan Chargers but found his true calling when he joined the Mumbai Indians in 2011. As the captain of Mumbai Indians, he has led the team to five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020), making them the most successful franchise in the tournament’s history.
Rohit’s captaincy is characterized by calmness under pressure and strategic acumen, making him one of the most successful and respected captains in IPL history. His contributions as a player and leader have been crucial in shaping the Mumbai Indians’ dominance in the league.
International Captaincy
Rohit Sharma was named the vice-captain of the Indian limited-overs side in 2017. He led the team in various series when the regular captain, Virat Kohli, was rested. His calm demeanor and tactical brilliance earned him praise, and he eventually took over as the full-time captain of the Indian ODI and T20I teams in late 2021, after Virat Kohli stepped down.
Under his leadership, India has seen a resurgence in the white-ball format, with Rohit bringing stability and experience to the role. His leadership style is often compared to that of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, characterized by his ability to remain calm under pressure and make astute decisions on the field.
Achievements and Records
Rohit Sharma’s cricketing journey is marked by numerous records and accolades. He is the only player to have scored three double centuries in ODIs and the highest individual scorer in an ODI match. He has also scored five centuries in a single World Cup (2019), a record for the most centuries in a single edition of the tournament.
In T20Is, he is one of the leading run-scorers and has the most centuries in the format. His ability to adapt to different formats and conditions has made him a key player for India across all formats.
Cricket Earnings
Rohit Sharma’s cricketing career is the cornerstone of his wealth. As the captain of the Indian cricket team and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has secured significant contracts. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) classifies him under the A+ grade category, reserved for the top players, which earns him an annual salary of ₹7 crore. This is supplemented by match fees: ₹15 lakh for each Test match, ₹6 lakh for each One-Day International (ODI), and ₹3 lakh per T20 International.
In the IPL, Rohit is among the highest-paid players. He was retained by the Mumbai Indians for ₹16 crore per season, making him one of the most valuable players in the league. Over his IPL career, which spans more than a decade, he has amassed nearly ₹195 crore in salary alone from the league. His leadership and consistent performance have been pivotal in securing multiple IPL titles for his team, further solidifying his value in the cricketing world.
Endorsement Deals
Beyond his earnings from cricket, Rohit Sharma’s net worth is significantly boosted by his numerous endorsement deals. He is a favorite among brands due to his charismatic personality and immense popularity. Rohit endorses a wide array of brands across various sectors, including sports, technology, lifestyle, and consumer goods.
Some of the high-profile brands associated with Rohit Sharma include Adidas, Hublot, Oakley, Ceat, Nissan, Oppo, and La Liga. Each of these endorsement deals contributes an estimated ₹5 crore per brand to his income. His association with these brands extends beyond simple endorsements; he often collaborates on limited edition products, such as a special line of sunglasses with Oakley or exclusive cricket gear with Adidas. These collaborations not only enhance his visibility but also add to his financial gains.
Additionally, he is involved in promoting Indian brands such as Maggi, Dream11, and Glenmark, which further diversifies his portfolio. His endorsement portfolio is valued at approximately ₹120 crore, making him one of the highest-earning cricketers in this domain.
Investments and Business Ventures
Rohit Sharma has ventured into several business areas, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. His investments are diverse, ranging from real estate to technology startups. In 2015, he made his first significant business investment in Rapidobotics, a company focused on robotic automation solutions. This was a strategic move, as it aligned with the growing demand for automation in various industries.
In 2021, Rohit expanded his business interests by investing ₹89 crore in Veiroots Wellness Solutions, a company that specializes in healthcare and wellness. This investment underscores his interest in sectors that promise long-term growth and stability. Beyond these, he has shown an inclination towards the stock market, holding shares in various companies with a portfolio value exceeding ₹7.6 crore.
Rohit is also exploring the digital space, particularly the metaverse and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). He has hinted at launching his own NFTs, which would feature exclusive digital content related to his cricketing journey and personal experiences. This move reflects his adaptability and willingness to explore new avenues in the ever-evolving digital economy.
Real Estate and Luxury Assets
Rohit Sharma’s taste for luxury is evident in his choice of assets. He owns a luxurious 4BHK apartment in Mumbai, situated on the 29th floor of Ahuja Towers. Valued at ₹30 crore, this 6000 sq. ft. property offers breathtaking views of Mumbai’s skyline and the Arabian Sea. His residence is a perfect blend of comfort and opulence, complete with state-of-the-art amenities and elegant interiors.
In addition to his primary residence, Rohit owns a villa in Hyderabad and a vacation home in Lonavala, collectively worth ₹5 crore. These properties not only serve as investments but also as personal retreats, offering a break from his hectic schedule.
Rohit is also a car enthusiast, with a collection that includes some of the most coveted automobiles. His garage boasts models like the BMW M5 Formula One Edition, Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d, and the Lamborghini Urus. The BMW M5, valued at ₹1.73 crore, and the Lamborghini Urus, acquired for ₹3.15 crore, are particularly noteworthy. These vehicles reflect his preference for high-performance cars that combine luxury with cutting-edge technology.
Cricket Academy and Philanthropy
Rohit Sharma is not just focused on accumulating wealth; he is also committed to giving back to the community. In 2019, he launched the CricKingdom cricket academy in Mumbai, aiming to nurture young talent and provide them with world-class training facilities. The academy has since expanded its reach to countries like Singapore, Japan, the USA, and Bangladesh. This initiative highlights Rohit’s dedication to developing the next generation of cricketers and making a positive impact on the sport.
Rohit is also deeply involved in philanthropic activities. He has been a vocal advocate for animal rights and marine life conservation. His contributions towards cancer treatment for underprivileged children are well-documented, as is his support during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he donated ₹80 lakh towards relief efforts. Additionally, he actively participates in beach cleaning drives in Mumbai, raising awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution.
Legacy
Rohit Sharma’s journey from a talented but inconsistent young cricketer to one of the most dependable and successful batsmen in the world is inspirational. His ability to score big runs, lead teams to victory, and maintain composure under pressure has earned him a place among the modern greats of the game. As he continues to break records and lead the Indian team, his legacy is set to inspire future generations of cricketers.