Ravi Shastri gave Rohit the nickname ‘The Hitman’

India’s prolific opener and vice-captain, Rohit Sharma has been in the media recently for his outstanding performances against Sri Lanka. The Mumbai opener broke many records during India’s recently concluded series against Sri Lanka, and became the first ever batsman to score a hundred in all three formats in a single tour.

The 30-year-old also managed to smash his 3rd double-century in ODIs in the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka in Mohali.

The stand-in captain then smashed the Sri Lankan bowlers all around the park in the 2nd T20I in Indore, where he scored his 2nd T20I century off just 35 balls, equalling the record of the fastest T20I century.

These stupendous knocks stormed the social media, and his nickname of ‘Hitman’ came into the spotlight once again.

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Speaking to India Today, Rohit Sharma revealed how his nickname of ‘Hitman’ came up. The Mumbai opener spoke that in a game where Ravi Shastri was commenting, a crew member named PD told Rohit after the game that ‘you played like a Hitman’, because Rohit’s name was Ro-‘Hit’. Ravi Shastri heard this, and said the nickname during the commentary.

Rohit’s excellent hitting abilities probably deserve a nickname like that, and PD was correct to give him the name of ‘Hitman’. After that incident, Rohit’s nickname of ‘Hitman’ popped up on the big screen during many performances by Sharma in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 30-year-old will be an integral part of India’s plans to succeed in their upcoming tour of South Africa, which starts from the 1st Test in Cape Town from 5th January. Sharma will try to take the most out of this opportunity, as he averages a low 12.29 with highest of 23 in South Africa.

The Hitman will be travelling to the ‘Rainbow nation’ as an improved batsman, and will have rich vein of form going into the 1st Test. Even though Sharma will play at number 6 in Tests, his role will be crucial against the second new ball against the Proteas.

Rohit has already established himself as one of the best limited overs player in India, and if he pounces on this opportunity, he will also establish himself as a permanent name in the Test line-up of India.