NEW DELHI: Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma recently dedicated time to inspire the next generation of cricketers. During a visit to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Saturday, Sharma engaged with the country’s Under-19 players, imparting wisdom gleaned from his illustrious career.
This special session was meticulously planned to provide aspiring young cricketers with an intimate look into the mindset, dedication, and rigorous discipline essential for achieving success at the sport’s highest echelons.
The BCCI shared the event on social media, stating, “Inspiring the next gen! Rohit Sharma shared valuable experiences and life lessons with U19 boys at BCCI CoE @ImRo45.”
Rohit Sharma at BCCI CoE (Pic credit: BCCI)
Adding a personal touch, Rohit was observed engaging with promising talents such as Ayush Mhatre and Test batter Sarfaraz Khan during a net practice session. In a memorable and heartwarming moment, Rohit gifted a bat to Mhatre, who later expressed his gratitude on Instagram: “Not just a gift, but an inspiration. Thanks @rohitsharma45 Da.” Sarfaraz also shared glimpses of his valuable interactions and observations from training alongside the seasoned ODI captain.
Rohit Sharma during an interaction with under-19 cricketers. (Pic credit: BCCI)
For the Indian U19 team, who recently wrapped up a successful home series against England (winning the five-match ODI series 3-2 and drawing the two-match Test series), Rohit’s presence at the CoE served as an immense source of motivation and a vital learning experience.
Currently, Rohit Sharma is in deep preparation for India’s forthcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, scheduled to commence on October 19. Having stepped away from Test cricket earlier this year and T20Is alongside Virat Kohli, the 37-year-old now channels his entire focus into mastering the 50-over format.
With an impressive tally of 11,168 ODI runs, including 32 centuries, Rohit Sharma is widely celebrated and acknowledged as one of the greatest players to grace the one-day international format.