Rohit Sharma Reflects on His Father's Influence in Cricket Journey
A Tribute to His Father
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 6: Renowned Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma recently paid a touching homage to his father, Gurunath Sharma, emphasizing the significant role he played in his cricketing career. During a book launch event for 'The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife' by Puja Pujara, wife of fellow cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit shared insights into his upbringing and the quiet sacrifices made by his father that shaped his values and provided steadfast support throughout his journey.
Rohit revealed that his father, who was employed at a transport company, worked diligently to ensure the family had everything they needed.
“My father made numerous sacrifices for us to lead a good life,” Rohit reminisced. He noted that his father has always been a devoted fan of Test cricket, expressing a preference for it over modern formats.
This passion for traditional cricket clearly influenced Rohit. He recalled the day he made headlines with his record-setting 264 runs in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Kolkata, describing his father's calm demeanor in response.
“I remember scoring 264 in an ODI, and he simply said, ‘Okay, well played, well done.’ There was no visible excitement, even though it was a world record,” he shared.
In contrast, his father's enthusiasm for Test cricket was palpable. “Whenever I scored 30s, 40s, or even 50s in Test matches, he would engage with me in detail about my performance. That’s the depth of his love for the game,” Rohit added.
Rohit’s recent choice to retire from Test cricket was particularly emotional for him, given his father's appreciation for the format. “He has witnessed my journey in red-ball cricket and values it greatly. He felt a bit let down by my retirement announcement, yet he was also supportive,” Rohit explained.
Rohit acknowledged the profound influence his father has had on his life and career, stating, “He has been instrumental in my success.”
On May 7, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket after participating in 67 matches over 11 years, leaving a significant leadership gap for the Indian team. He scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties.