“Forever Grateful”: Rohit Marks 18 Years Since India Debut with Emotional Post

Indian batting star Rohit Sharma posted an emotional Instagram story on June 2 marking 18 years since his debut for India. The ODI captain shared a photo of his helmet featuring the Indian flag and the BCCI logo with the caption “Forever Grateful” and the date “23/06/07”.

Rohit made his ODI debut against Ireland in Belfast as a 19-year-old under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid. However, he didn’t get a chance to bat as India won the match by nine wickets. At that time, Rohit was seen as a useful middle-order batter who could also bowl some off-spin. Three days later, in a match against South Africa finally got to bat and scored just eight runs.Rohit’s ODI journey started back in 2007 against Ireland and since then, he’s become one of the biggest names in the format. Over 273 matches, he’s scored 11,168 runs at an impressive average of 48.76. No one else has hit three double centuries in ODIs something only Rohit has done with his 264 against Sri Lanka still standing as the highest individual score in ODI history. With 32 centuries and 58 fifties to his name, he’s been a key part of India’s white-ball success over the years playing big roles in the Champions Trophy wins in 2013 and 2025 and in strong World Cup campaigns in 2015, 2019 and 2023.

Rohit stepped into T20Is in 2007 and soon became one of the most exciting openers the format has ever seen. In 159 matches, he scored 4,231 runs, with five centuries the joint-most in T20I history and 32 fifties. His top score, an unbeaten 121, is just one of many examples of how destructive he could be. His last T20I came in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where he led India to glory as captain a fairytale ending to an incredible T20I journey.

Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket

Rohit Sharma began his Test career in 2013 with a memorable debut at Eden Gardens, scoring an impressive 177 runs against the West Indies. Over the years, he evolved into one of India’s most dependable openers in red-ball cricket. Across 67 Test matches, he accumulated 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 included 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. His highest score in the format was a commanding 212. Rohit recently announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a truly special and unforgettable chapter in his cricketing journey.

Rohit is now focused solely on ODIs and has his sights set on the 2027 World Cup. He’ll be hoping to finish his international career on a high by lifting the trophy one last time.

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