Rohit Sharma Reflects on His Father's Influence in Cricket Journey

A Tribute to Gurunath Sharma

Rohit Sharma, a prominent figure in Indian cricket, recently paid a touching homage to his father, Gurunath Sharma, emphasizing the significant impact he had on his cricketing path. During a book launch event for 'The Diary of a Cricketer's Wife' by Puja Pujara, wife of fellow cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit reminisced about his upbringing and the quiet sacrifices made by his father, which instilled essential values that guided his career.

Rohit revealed that his father, who was employed at a transport company, played a crucial role in ensuring their family had everything they needed.

"My father made numerous sacrifices for us to lead a good life," Rohit shared.

Father's Love for Test Cricket

Rohit noted that his father has always been a staunch supporter of Test cricket. "He has never been fond of the modern style of cricket," he remarked.

This passion for the traditional format clearly influenced Rohit. He recalled the day he made headlines by scoring a record-breaking 264 runs in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Kolkata, describing his father's calm demeanor during the achievement.

"I remember the day I scored 264 in an ODI. His reaction was simply, 'Okay, well played, well done.' There was no excitement, even though it was a world record," Rohit explained. 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," he added.

Emotional Decision to Retire from Test Cricket

Rohit’s decision to retire from Test cricket was particularly emotional for him, given his father's admiration for the format. "He has witnessed my journey in red-ball cricket and values it highly. He felt a bit disappointed when I announced my retirement, but he was also supportive," Rohit stated.

He acknowledged the profound influence his father has had on his life and career, saying, "He has been instrumental in my success today."

On May 7, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket after playing 67 matches over 11 years, leaving a significant leadership gap for India. He scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties.