Hitman. Leader. Captain. Legend.

He turns 36. They say batters are like wine, they don’t age, they just keep getting more refined. Rohit Sharma’s good enough proof.

For that child prodigy in the Mumbai circuit who was writing the record books as a kid, to jumping up the priority order for the 2007 World T20 with a stunning century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, to impressing some more on debut against South Africa with a fifty in testing conditions, to trying to find his feet as a middle-order batter, to grabbing the opportunity to open the batting, to smashing four T20I centuries, to notching up a World Cup record in 2019 with five centuries, to becoming the monster legend that he is today, he’s come a real long way.

They also say captaincy has a shelf life. There’s good enough proof that in the sixteen-year history of the IPL, there have been only two captains to have survived ten years at the job. Rohit Sharma hasn’t just survived, he has thrived. Five IPL titles and a Champions League crown is further proof.

No wonder this last week of April is special for us Mumbai Indians fans. It’s a week of continuous celebration. It’s almost like a never-ending party. And thus, at the Wankhede, our party destination, we are all set with our plan -

* A giant Rohit Sharma banner (30ftx55ft) is set to be unfurled in the stands. It’s going to be the spectacle of the season!

* The entrance to the Wankhede via University Stadium will showcase multiple Rohit Sharma cut outs from his time with MI over the last several seasons. Go on, bank your selfies.

* And obviously, the loudest Rohiiiiiit, Rohiiiit chanting you’d ever have heard

But for now, as the clock touches 12 tonight (April 30), and as we gear up to celebrate the double whammy, let’s get things rolling with, Happiest Birthday Ro, and welcome to the 11^th year as our leader! May the wait for #6