The Rise of the Hitman
Author: R. Kaushik
Publisher: Rupa Publishers
Rating: 4/5
This biographical account of Rohit Sharma is an evocative tribute to one of Indian cricket’s most graceful batters and one of its most resilient leaders. Tracing his journey from the bylanes of Borivali to the glory of lifting world trophies, the book offers a detailed and compelling chronicle of Rohit’s career, shaped as much by setbacks as by his sublime successes.
From the start, the narrative captures Rohit’s natural flair and easy elegance with the bat—hallmarks that made him stand out even in his Under-17 days. His early exploits, especially during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and the Australian tour in 2008, are presented with admiration, underscoring the promise that had cricketing circles buzzing. But the book does not shy away from his low points—injuries, exclusions, and the long wait for his Test debut are detailed with empathy, making the eventual triumphs all the more satisfying.
What elevates this book is its multi-perspective approach. Insights from teammates, coaches, and friends provide a textured understanding of Rohit—not just as a cricketer, but as a person who stayed grounded despite fame, scrutiny, and enormous expectations. His transformation into a dependable leader, culminating in India’s successes in the T20 World Cup (2024) and the Champions Trophy (2025), is narrated with reverence, yet realism.
This is not merely a celebration of records and trophies—it is the story of grit behind grace. The prose is crisp and engaging, striking a balance between factual precision and emotional depth. Readers come away not only admiring Rohit’s timing and technique on the field but also his temperament off it.
In summation, this is a must-read for cricket enthusiasts as it offers a balanced, insightful, and inspiring portrait of a modern-day legend. Rohit Sharma’s story is not just about cricket; it’s about character, patience, and poise in uncertainty.
Find this book here.