Rohit Sharma is back—and Mumbai couldn’t wait to welcome its ‘Hitman’ home. Fresh off a scintillating ODI series in Australia, where he silenced doubters with a vintage century in Sydney, the Indian captain was greeted by a sea of adoring fans at Mumbai’s airport. The emotional homecoming, captured in viral videos, shows just how deeply the city—and the nation—cherishes its cricketing icon .
Rohit Sharma’s Australia Masterclass
At 38, many wondered if Rohit Sharma still had the hunger and reflexes to dominate world-class bowling attacks. His answer? A breathtaking, unbeaten 121 in Sydney—the kind of innings only legends deliver under pressure. Calm, composed, and laced with trademark cover drives and towering sixes, the knock wasn’t just about runs; it was a statement of intent ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup .
His leadership from the front didn’t stop there. Across the series, Sharma consistently anchored the innings, proving once again why he remains indispensable to India’s white-ball setup. Head coach Gautam Gambhir didn’t hold back in his praise: “Rohit’s ability to absorb pressure and finish games is unmatched. He’s the glue that holds this batting unit together,” he remarked in a post-series press conference .
A City’s Love for Its Hitman
As Sharma stepped out of the airport terminal, he was instantly swarmed—not by security, but by fans of all ages. Chants of “Rohit! Rohit!” echoed through the arrivals hall, while phones and banners waved in unison. One young boy, tears in his eyes, held a handmade sign that read: “You’re my Sydney hero.”
For Mumbaikars, Rohit isn’t just a cricketer—he’s one of their own. Born in Nagpur but raised in Mumbai’s cricketing cauldron, he climbed the ranks through local maidans and club tournaments before donning the national blue. His journey mirrors the dreams of thousands in the city, making his success feel personal to every local fan.
What This Means for India’s 2027 World Cup Hopes
With his recent form and confirmed plans to retire after the 2027 ODI World Cup—revealed by his childhood coach Dinesh Lad—every innings Rohit plays now carries extra weight . His experience, tactical nous, and ability to perform in high-stakes games make him a cornerstone of India’s long-term strategy.
As the team prepares for the upcoming home series against South Africa in November–December 2025, Sharma’s leadership will be crucial in mentoring younger talents while continuing to deliver with the bat.
Rohit Sharma’s Recent ODI Stats vs Australia (2025 Tour)
| Match | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI (Perth) | 42 | 58 | 72.41 | India won |
| 2nd ODI (Melbourne) | 28 | 35 | 80.00 | India lost |
| 3rd ODI (Sydney) | 121* | 114 | 106.14 | India won |
These numbers tell a story of consistency and clutch performance—exactly what India needs as it builds toward 2027.