Srinagar: Former India skipper Rohit Sharma silenced critics with a defiant 73-run knock against Australia in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. Although India fell short in the contest, Rohit’s gritty innings was a timely reminder of his enduring class and determination.
However, what stole the spotlight after the match was a light-hearted remark from India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, which quickly went viral across social media platforms.
As Rohit was walking back after the game, Gambhir was heard saying, “Rohit, sabko lag raha tha ki aaj farewell match tha, ek photo to laga do” — translating to, “Rohit, everyone thought today was your farewell match, at least post a photo.”
The playful comment sparked a storm online, with fans breathing a sigh of relief — interpreting it as a sign that the veteran opener isn’t planning to hang up his boots anytime soon.
Rohit’s Grit Under Pressure
Rohit, who top-scored for India with 73 runs, showcased composure and class against a potent Australian attack. Alongside Shreyas Iyer, he guided India to a respectable 264/9, weathering early movement and disciplined bowling.
His innings, though not a match-winning one, reflected the hallmark of a seasoned performer — patience, timing, and the ability to absorb pressure.
Abhishek Nayar on Rohit’s Fighting Knock
Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who has closely worked with Rohit in recent months, lauded the skipper’s fighting spirit.
“As a player, you may forget some of your big hundreds, but innings like these stay with you,” Nayar said on JioStar’s Cricket Live.
“Rohit may not remember this one for the runs he scored, but he’ll cherish it for the effort. When you score in tough conditions, it’s a different kind of satisfaction — just like a bowler taking wickets on a flat pitch.”
Nayar further added that Rohit’s resilience and intent stood out throughout the game.
“He might be disappointed for not converting it into a hundred, but he fought hard for every run. That grit defines this Indian team. Even when the odds were against them, they refused to back down — and Rohit led that fight.”
A Knock That Spoke Volumes
While speculation about Rohit’s future continues to swirl, Thursday’s innings and Gambhir’s cheeky post-match comment together sent a strong message — the Indian captain isn’t done yet.
For fans, it was more than just another innings; it was a reminder of Rohit Sharma’s enduring passion, determination, and unwavering love for the game.
