Rohit Gurunath Sharma, known globally as the “Hitman” for his aggressive cricketing style, announced his retirement from Test cricket, closing a chapter in his illustrious career. At 37, Sharma took to Instagram to share this decision, emphasizing his continued commitment to representing India in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His departure marks the end of an era in the longest format of the game, as acknowledged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a heartfelt tweet: “Thank you, Captain. End of an era in whites! @ImRo45 bids adieu to Test cricket. He will continue to lead India in ODIs. We are proud of you, Hitman.”
As Sharma steps away from Test cricket, his influence extends beyond the boundary lines. According to Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2023, he ranks among India’s top brand ambassadors, with a brand valuation of $41 million (approximately Rs 344 crore). His presence in the advertising world mirrors his dominance on the field, spanning various sectors from fast-moving consumer goods to automotive.
Notable Advertising Campaigns
Dream11’s ‘Aapki Team Mein Kaun Hai’
In a blend of cricket and Bollywood star power, Rohit Sharma appeared in Dream11’s commercials alongside actors Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, as well as fellow cricketers R. Ashwin, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant. The campaign, released ahead of the IPL season, highlighted playful rivalry and humor, portraying Sharma as the cool-headed captain of “Ranbir Kapoor 11.”
Adidas’s ‘You Got This’ Campaign
Adidas launched a motivational campaign featuring Sharma, Kohli, and Pandya. The campaign emphasized focus and resilience under pressure, promoting the spirit of sport and teamwork.
Thums Up’s ‘India India Macha’
In Thums Up’s adrenaline-charged campaign, Sharma confronted self-doubt, symbolizing the pressure-laden moments faced by elite athletes.
Swiggy Instamart’s ‘Delivered in 10 for Ro!’
Alongside his wife Ritika Sajdeh, Sharma added a touch of domestic relatability to Swiggy Instamart’s ad promoting 10-minute grocery delivery.
BharatPe’s ‘Rohit Sharma Bats for BharatPe QR’
In a nod to digital transformation, Sharma endorsed BharatPe’s QR payment solution, showcasing the ease of cashless transactions for small businesses and consumers alike.
CEAT SUV Tyres
Sharma took on a theatrical “moneylender” persona in CEAT’s campaign for SUV tyres, appearing with cricketers Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. The ad highlighted the brand’s commitment to safety and durability, showcasing Sharma’s versatility as both a cricketer and performer.
Continuing Influence
As Sharma transitions away from Test cricket, his enduring influence in both sports and commerce remains undeniable. His ability to merge his cricketing prowess with his advertising acumen has solidified his status as a top brand ambassador, ensuring his legacy continues to impact the advertising landscape.
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Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/rohit-sharma-retires-from-test-cricket-see-hitmans-top-brand-deals-ads-64930.htm. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.