Rohit Sharma posts "Forever grateful" as he completes 18 years for India

Just weeks after announcing his retirement from the Test arena, start Indian batter Rohit Sharma once again managed to make headlines. On June 23, 2007, Rohit made his ODI debut for India against Ireland. This day marked the start of an incredible career for Rohit Sharma, which has lasted for 18 (still counting) long years. The 38-year-old will no longer be featuring for India in the whites or in the shortest format, but will continue to play for the national side in the ODI format. 

To commemorate his humble beginnings from the Ireland ODI, Rohit took to his Instagram and posted a story with his helmet, which he wore on that day. The helmet had the India badge inscription along with the national flag. Moreover, the story also contained the following caption, "Forever grateful" along with the date which marked the beginning of his prosperous cricketing career. 

See also: Rohit Sharma to miss 2027 World Cup? Captaincy twist sparks speculation

'Forever grateful' - Rohit Sharma expresses gratitude after completing 18 years

Rohit Sharma Instagram story on completing 18 years for India.🇮🇳🥹❤️

Forever grateful.🐐 pic.twitter.com/BihHPJ3VJ9

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) June 23, 2025

Nearly two decades after making his debut, Rohit has established himself as one of the most prolific batters of all time. Not only did his batting come a long way over the years, but his brilliance as a captain has won India two major ICC trophies, namely the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 & the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the Indian batting stalwart did not get off to such a smooth beginning at the start of his career. 

Rohit did not get a chance to bat in his debut game against Ireland. But when he did get a chance to bat against South Africa in that series, he fell cheaply for eight. Although Rohit managed to showcase some flashes of brilliance in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007, he was vastly overlooked by the selectors and failed to cement his spot in the team as a permanent member.

Between 2007 and 2012, Rohit's potential mostly remained underutilised. But it all changed from 2013 onwards when he was promoted up the order as an opener. This masterstroke move paid dividends as it gave Rohit the freedom to go after the bowlers, helping him establish a reputation for being one of the most lethal openers in world cricket.