Fresh from receiving the prestigious Padma award, Rohit Sharma's remarkable cricketing journey took center stage during a special evening in Bengaluru. The event, which marked the launch of the book The Rise of Hitman by R Kaushik, felt less like a conventional literary gathering and more like an intimate stroll through the cherished memory lanes of Indian cricket history.
Former Cricketers Reflect on Rohit's Early Days
As former cricketers and devoted fans gathered together, the atmosphere was filled with nostalgia and admiration. KSCA president and former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, alongside former India coach Rahul Dravid, shared heartfelt reflections on witnessing a shy yet immensely gifted teenager evolve into one of the calmest captains the country has ever seen. This transformation was shaped not just by effortless power-hitting but equally by remarkable patience and exceptional temperament.
Venkatesh Prasad Recalls First Impressions
I first watched Rohit when he was just 16 years old, Venkatesh Prasad revealed, and it was immediately clear to me that he possessed immense talent and extraordinary potential. He drew a fascinating comparison, noting that Rohit reminded him of the legendary Australian batsman Mark Waugh. During his tenure coaching the India Under-19 team, Prasad always marked Rohit out as a truly special player.
What particularly stood out was Rohit's unique style, often described as lazy elegance – the way he effortlessly hit towering sixes and timed the ball with impeccable precision. Beyond his batting prowess, Rohit was also recognized as a very good fielder and even bowled off-spin in domestic cricket. In fact, he once achieved the impressive feat of taking six wickets in a single match, an accomplishment that many people tend to forget today.
However, Prasad admitted that he never initially imagined Rohit as a future captain during those early Under-19 days. I didn't see any real sparks of leadership back then, he confessed. He was never an overthinker. Yet, looking at Rohit today – calm, composed, and assured on the field – his reinvention from a middle-order batter to a dynamic opener, and eventually into a successful captain, has been nothing short of remarkable to witness.
Rahul Dravid Praises Cricketing Intelligence
Rahul Dravid emphasized Rohit Sharma's terrific cricketing brain, highlighting how he clearly understood the evolving demands of modern white-ball cricket. Rohit took full responsibility for setting the tempo of the innings, Dravid noted, speaking from his experience of working closely with him as the Indian coach. This awareness, according to Dravid, has been a key factor in Rohit's success.
Leadership becomes significantly more challenging once you assume the role of captain, Dravid explained, because you are no longer just focusing on your own game – you are making crucial decisions for the entire team. Despite these pressures, Rohit has remained very much a people person. He genuinely enjoys the dressing-room environment and, importantly, he never fundamentally changed after becoming captain. Communication within the team under his leadership has always been clear, consistent, and effective.
In high-pressure moments, Rohit's innate calmness truly stands out, providing stability and confidence to the entire squad. This quality has been instrumental in navigating the toughest challenges on the international stage.
A Celebration of Transformation and Legacy
The Bengaluru event served as a powerful tribute to Rohit Sharma's enduring legacy in Indian cricket. From his early days as a talented teenager to his current status as a Padma awardee and respected captain, his journey exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and quiet leadership. The insights shared by Venkatesh Prasad and Rahul Dravid not only illuminated Rohit's personal growth but also underscored the broader evolution of Indian cricket itself.
As fans and former players alike celebrated this journey, the evening reinforced how individual transformations can inspire collective pride and set new benchmarks for future generations. Rohit Sharma's story continues to resonate deeply within the cricketing community, reminding everyone of the power of perseverance and the beauty of the sport.
