Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma recently opened up about his decision to retire from Test cricket, revealing the mixed emotions and a particular reaction from his father, Gurunath Sharma, that highlighted his deep love for the traditional format of the game. Rohit’s announcement came ahead of India’s tour of England, marking the end of his illustrious Test career.
A Father’s Deep-Rooted Love for Test Cricket
Speaking at the launch of Cheteshwar Pujara’s wife Puja’s book, ‘The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife’, Rohit shared insights into his father’s unwavering admiration for Test cricket. He elaborated on how his father, who worked in a transport company and made immense sacrifices for his children, always prioritized the red-ball format above all else.
“My father always, since day one, has been a fan of Test cricket; he doesn’t like this new-age cricket,” Rohit stated. This sentiment was evident even after some of his most monumental achievements in white-ball cricket.
The 264-Run ODI Knock: A Muted Reaction
Recalling his record-breaking 264-run innings in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2014, a world record that stands to this day, Rohit revealed his father’s surprisingly muted reaction.
“I still remember the day I scored 264 in an ODI, he was like, ‘Okay, well played, well done.’ There was no such excitement from him that it was a world record and all of that,” Rohit recounted.
Test Innings Held in Higher Esteem
In stark contrast to his ODI heroics, even modest contributions in Test cricket would ignite detailed discussions with his father. “But even if I used to get good 30s or 40s or 50s or 60s in Test cricket, he used to talk to me about it in detail. So that’s the kind of love he had for the game,” Rohit explained, emphasizing his father’s profound appreciation for the intricacies and challenges of Test cricket.
Father’s Disappointment and Understanding on Retirement
When it came to his Test retirement, Rohit’s father, Gurunath Sharma, expressed a blend of disappointment and understanding. “He appreciates red-ball cricket a lot and, obviously, was a little disappointed when I announced my retirement, but was happy as well at the same time,” Rohit revealed.
Having witnessed Rohit’s journey through various age-group cricket levels – U19, Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Irani Trophy, and India A – and his eventual entry into the national team primarily through red-ball performances, his father had a deep connection to Rohit’s Test career.
Rohit concluded by acknowledging the monumental role his parents played in his career. “That’s my father, and he has obviously played a huge role in wherever I am today, you know, without their help, it never would have been possible,” he said, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and sacrifices.
Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket with 4,301 runs from 67 matches at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. He had also led India in 24 Tests, securing 12 victories. Having already stepped down from T20Is after leading India to a World Cup title last year, Rohit will now focus solely on leading the national side in ODIs.
