Former India captain Rohit Sharma made his first public appearance since Shubman Gill took over the ODI captaincy, attending the 27th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai last week. Looking noticeably leaner and in peak physical condition, Rohit garnered significant attention for more than just his renewed fitness.
During the evening, a particular moment involving Rohit and ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer quickly went viral. Iyer, after receiving the CEAT JioStar Award on stage, returned to his seat and inadvertently placed the prestigious memento on the floor beside him. Observing this, Rohit, without drawing any attention, subtly reached down, picked up the trophy, and respectfully placed it on a nearby table.
This simple yet profound act instantly captivated social media, with fans showering Rohit with praise for his deep respect towards awards and achievements. Many highlighted it as a small but incredibly telling sign of his inherent humility and exceptional leadership qualities.
Despite the recent change in ODI leadership, Rohit Sharma appeared calm and focused. Having steered India to successive ICC titles – the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy – his visible dedication to fitness and the game signals an undiminished hunger for success.
Speaking at the event, Rohit reiterated his unwavering commitment to cricket, particularly with the upcoming ODI series against Australia on the horizon, starting October 19. “I love playing against them. I love going to Australia. It’s a very challenging country to play cricket. People there love the game as well,” he shared.
He further elaborated on the upcoming challenge: “Australia presents a unique test every time we face them. Having toured there multiple times, I understand what to expect. Hopefully, we can go there, execute our plans, and achieve a favorable outcome.”
Even without the captain’s armband, Rohit’s composed demeanor and instinctive display of respect at the awards ceremony reaffirmed his status as one of Indian cricket’s most admired and respected figures.