NEW DELHI: Indian cricket legend Rohit Sharma received a phenomenal reception in his home city of Mumbai as he returned on Monday evening following his memorable three-match ODI series against Australia.

The veteran opener, affectionately known as the 'Hitman' and now hailed by fans as 'Mumbai cha Raja' (King of Mumbai), was greeted by a massive, cheering crowd of enthusiastic supporters the moment he stepped out of the airport.

'Enna Wadda Muh': Abhishek Sharma’s hilarious dig at Shubman Gill leaves fans in splits, WATCH

A Heartwarming Welcome

Shubman Gill shows off desi dance moves during practice ahead of T20I Series vs Australia

Fans, eager for a glimpse of their idol, surrounded the cricket star, showering him with loud cheers and requests for autographs and selfies. Dressed casually, Rohit acknowledged the fervent support, even stopping to sign a fan's T-shirt featuring his picture—a heartwarming gesture that captured the moment's spirit.

His consistent form in Australia has reaffirmed his status and potential contribution leading up to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Player of the Series Performance

Rohit Sharma's return comes after a stellar individual performance Down Under, where he not only showcased his enduring class but also earned the Player of the Series award. Across the three ODIs, the 38-year-old amassed a magnificent 202 runs at an impressive average of 101.

His series highlight was a masterclass in Sydney, where he anchored the chase with a magnificent unbeaten 121 runs off 125 deliveries, guiding India to an emphatic nine-wicket victory in the final match. This stellar knock, along with a gritty 73 in Adelaide, was widely praised, with Head Coach Gautam Gambhir specifically lauding his "outstanding and clinical" contribution, particularly his ability to "finish it off" for the team.

Next Stop: South Africa in India

With the Australia tour successfully concluded, Rohit Sharma now has a short break before preparing for his next international assignment, which is likely to be the home series against South Africa. India is scheduled to host the Proteas for a multi-format series, including ODIs and T20Is, starting in November 2025.