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Key Points

Rohit Sharma recently opened up about his father's profound influence on his cricket career during a book launch event. His father, a dedicated Test cricket enthusiast, always maintained a stoic yet supportive approach to Rohit's achievements. Despite Rohit's record-breaking performances in limited-overs cricket, his father's heart remained with the traditional red-ball format. The cricketer's retirement from Test cricket was an emotional moment, reflecting the deep bond and shared love for the game between father and son.

Key Points: Rohit Sharma's Emotional Tribute to Father's Test Cricket Love

  • Rohit shares intimate details about his father's sacrificial love
  • Father's passion for Test cricket deeply influenced him
  • Emotional revelation about Test cricket retirement
  • Family's support shaped Rohit's cricket career
3 min read

He was little disappointed when I retired: Rohit Sharma on his father's love for Test cricket

Rohit Sharma reveals his father's deep passion for Test cricket and his quiet support throughout his cricketing journey

"He was like, 'Okay, well played, well done.' There was no such excitement - Rohit Sharma"

Mumbai, June 6

India's cricketing stalwart Rohit Sharma recently offered a heartfelt tribute to his father, Gurunath Sharma, highlighting the deep-rooted influence he had on his journey as a cricketer. Reflecting on his upbringing and his father's quiet sacrifices, Rohit shed light on the values that shaped his career and the unwavering support he received from the man who shaped his understanding of the game.

Rohit shared that his father, who once worked for a transport company, played a pivotal role in ensuring that the family never lacked anything.

"My father was very much involved in sacrificing things so that we could have a good life," Rohit recalled in a book launch event by India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara's wife, Puja Pujara, who wrote 'The Diary of a Cricketer's Wife.'

"He has always been a fan of Test cricket from day one," he added. "He does not like this new age cricket," he noted.

That love for the red-ball game clearly rubbed off on Rohit. Even on the day he set the world alight with his record-breaking 264 in an ODI match against Sri Lanka in Kolkata, his father's reaction remained stoic.

"I still remember the day I scored 264 in an ODI," Rohit recounted.

"He was like, 'Okay, well played, well done.' There was no such excitement, despite it being a world record," he said.

In contrast, his father's enthusiasm for Test cricket was unmissable.

"Even if I get a good 30s or 40s or 50s or 60s in Test cricket, he would talk to me in detail. That's the kind of love he had for the game," he noted.

For Rohit, his father's appreciation of the red-ball format made his recent decision to step away from Test cricket an emotional one.

"He has seen me play a lot of cricket with the red ball, obviously. So, he appreciates red-ball cricket a lot and was a little disappointed when I announced my retirement, but he was happy as well at the same time," he said.

Rohit acknowledged his father's lasting impact on his life and career.

"He has played a huge role in where I am today," he added.

On May 7, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket after a career spanning 67 Tests and 11 years. ahead of the England tour, leaving India with a massive leadership vacuum. He amassed 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, with 12 centuries and 18 fifties.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is so heartwarming! 🏏 Rohit's father represents so many Indian parents who sacrifice silently for their children's dreams. My own father used to wake up at 4 AM to take me to cricket practice before school. The old generation truly valued Test cricket - it's not just a game but a test of character!
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Priya M.
While I respect Rohit's father's love for Tests, I think we should appreciate all formats equally. His 264 against SL was pure magic! T20s and ODIs have brought cricket to millions who don't have 5 days to watch a match. Different strokes for different folks!
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Arjun S.
Typical middle-class Indian father - strict exterior but full of love inside. That "okay, well played" reaction after 264 is so relatable! 😂 My dad was the same when I topped my class - just a nod while inside he was bursting with pride. Salute to all such fathers!
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Sanjana R.
Rohit's retirement leaves big shoes to fill in Tests. But reading this makes me wonder - are we losing the essence of cricket in this fast-paced world? Maybe we need more fathers like Gurunath Sharma to keep the traditional spirit alive. #TestCricketForever
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Vikram J.
Respect to Rohit for acknowledging his roots. Many successful Indians forget their middle-class upbringing after making it big. His father's values clearly shaped him into the grounded superstar he is today. More power to such families who build India's sporting heroes!
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Neha P.
Beautiful story but I wish Rohit had played a couple more years in Tests. At 36, he still had good cricket left in him. His experience would have been invaluable for young players. But family comes first - he must have his reasons. Wishing him the best!

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