NEW DELHI: Fourteen years ago, a young cricketer from Mumbai began a journey that would define the legacy of an IPL franchise. On this day in 2011, Rohit Sharma made his debut for Mumbai Indians (MI), a moment that marked the beginning of a golden era for the team and a legendary chapter in Sharma’s own career. Today, he is celebrated not just as a player, but as one of the most successful and influential captains in IPL history.
14 years ago, a boy from Mumbai started his MI journey to become the 𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐍 🔥#OnThisDay in 2011, Rohit Sharma made his debut in the Blue & Gold 💙✨#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai pic.twitter.com/vhFCLZZiy9
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 10, 2025
A Big Debut in Blue & Gold
In the 2011 IPL auction, Rohit Sharma was bought by Mumbai Indians for a hefty $2 million. Having already made a name for himself in the cricketing world, expectations were high. But what followed over the next 14 years exceeded all predictions. Nicknamed “The Hitman”, Sharma’s calm confidence and ability to dominate in clutch moments quickly made him a fan favorite.
Captaincy: The Turning Point in 2013
The true transformation came in 2013. Midway through the season, Sharma was named captain of MI — a bold move by the management that reaped instant rewards. He led the franchise to its first-ever IPL title that same year. Over the next seven seasons, he captained Mumbai to four more championships — in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, tying him with MS Dhoni for the most IPL titles as captain (5).
His leadership wasn’t just about results; it was about building a team culture, mentoring younger players, and bringing out the best in everyone around him.
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Record-Breaking Batting Career
While Sharma’s captaincy records are extraordinary, his individual batting numbers are equally jaw-dropping. With 6,628 runs, Sharma ranks third in all-time IPL run-scorers. For Mumbai Indians, he holds nearly every major batting record, including:
- Most runs
- Most fifties
- Most sixes
- Most fours
- Most 50+ scores
- Joint-most centuries
- Most runs in winning matches
- Most Man of the Match awards
His explosive strokeplay, especially in high-pressure situations, earned him the reputation of being a big-match player — the true embodiment of the Mumbai Indians’ “Play Like Mumbai” spirit.
2024: A Shocking Leadership Shift
In a surprising move ahead of the 2024 season, MI announced Hardik Pandya as the new captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. The decision drew widespread criticism and left fans heartbroken. Sharma, who had led the team for over a decade, took the change with grace, but the results were telling — Mumbai Indians finished last in the 2024 season, a rare occurrence in their otherwise dominant history.
The leadership switch turned controversial and sparked debate across cricketing circles, with many questioning if it was the right time to sideline a proven leader.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
Despite recent challenges, Rohit Sharma’s legacy with Mumbai Indians remains untarnished. He is more than just a cricketer — he is a symbol of the franchise’s rise from a competitive team to a powerhouse. His impact goes beyond the stats and trophies. It’s in the moments he created, the memories he gave to fans, and the winning mindset he instilled.
A Legend Forever in Blue & Gold
From a $2 million signing in 2011 to becoming a five-time champion and one of IPL’s most celebrated captains, Rohit Sharma’s 14-year journey with Mumbai Indians is the stuff of cricketing legend. As MI and fans pay tribute to his contributions, one sentiment echoes across the cricketing world — Rohit Sharma didn’t just play for Mumbai Indians… he became Mumbai Indians.
