In the high-stakes world of cricket, where every run and wicket matters, exceptional leaders go beyond the boundaries of the game and take an additional step. One such leader is Indian captain Rohit Sharma. His recent act of selflessness for Ravichandran Ashwin during an important test match against England at Rajkot left everyone awestruck and redefined what it means to be a true cricket teammate.
Ravichandran Ashwin Praises Rohit Sharma
Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned off-spinner, had recently achieved a monumental milestone of his 500th Test wicket. The crowd cheered, and the records tumbled, but little did anyone know that Ashwin was dealing with a personal crisis. His mother was ailing in Chennai when he faced the confusing choice: to stay with the team or rush home to be by her side.
Rohit Sharma’s Resolute Support To Ravichandran Ashwin
In the silence of Ashwin’s hotel room, the dilemma weighed heavily on his mind. Rohit Sharma, the skipper, entered his room and urged Ashwin to follow his heart and be with his family. But it didn’t end there. Rohit, like a guardian, along with Jay Shah, also arranged a charter flight for Ashwin. The Rajkot airport’s closing time was irrelevant; Rohit’s compassion knew no bounds.
Ravichandran Ashwin said,
“I asked how she was and if she was conscious. The doctor apparently told me that she was not in a position to be seen. I started tearing up. I was searching for a flight but I couldn’t get one. The Rajkot airport closes down at 6 as there are no flights from there after 6. I didn’t know what to do. Rohit (Sharma) and Rahul (Dravid) Bhai came to my room and Rohit literally asked me to stop thinking and leave to be there with my family. And he was trying to arrange a charter flight for me.”
The Midnight Call
Dear Rohit Sharma,
India is proud to have you as a leader. 🇮🇳💗 pic.twitter.com/cQZo1ZxCdx
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 13, 2024
As Ashwin departed towards the airport, he found Kamlesh, the team physio, waiting. But there was more. Rohit had called Kamlesh, ensuring Ashwin’s well-being during this time of grief. The clock struck 9:30 PM, and Ashwin was gobsmacked. Here was a leader who didn’t just talk about team spirit; he lived it. Rohit’s actions spoke louder than any victory on the field.
Ashwin added,
“Kamlesh, the team physio, is a very good friend of mine. Rohit told him to fly with me to Chennai and be with me but I convinced him to stay back. When I went down, the security and Kamlesh were already there, waiting. Kamlesh got a call from Rohit on our ride towards the airport, checking up on me and literally asking him to be with me during this tough time. It was 9:30 at night. I was just gobsmacked. I cannot even think about it. The two people there are the only ones that I could talk. What if nobody was there? I just thought, even if I were a captain, I’d tell my players to go back home. No second thoughts about it. But will I be calling people to check up on him? I don’t know. Unbelievable. I saw an outstanding leader in Rohit Sharma that day.”
Respect Amplified
Ashwin’s respect for Rohit Sharma increased. In a world where selfishness often prevails, Rohit stood out, magnifying the cricket team spirit. He wasn’t merely a captain; he also made a space for empathy. Ashwin mused, “Even Dhoni does that, but he takes 10 steps more.” Indeed, Rohit’s leadership transcended the game. It was a lesson in humanity, a reminder that sometimes, the biggest victories happen off the pitch. He concluded,
“I’ve played under several captains and leaders, but it is his (Rohit’s) good heart that has made him what he is today – someone with five IPL titles as equal to Dhoni. God doesn’t give it easy. He should get something bigger than all that, which god will give him. In such a selfish society, a man who thinks about someone else’s well being is a rarity. My respect for him grew tremendously after that. I already had respect for him as a leader, he backs a player without question until the last moment. It’s not an easy thing. Even Dhoni does that. But he takes 10 steps more.”
As cricket enthusiasts, we celebrate centuries and sixes, but let’s also celebrate the unsung heroes who put people before runs and compassion before records. Rohit Sharma’s selfless act will echo through the depths of cricket history. It’s not just about winning matches; it’s about winning hearts. And in that moment, Rohit proved that trophies don’t measure true leadership; it’s measured by the lives you touch.
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