Team India captain Rohit Sharma met one of his devoted fans following India’s triumph over England in the first ODI at Nagpur’s Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. The Men in Blue secured a four-wicket win on Thursday (February 6), gaining a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Although Sharma led the team well, he struggled with the bat, managing only two runs off seven balls. His lean patch in international cricket continued, following underwhelming performances in Test series against New Zealand and Australia.
A passionate fan, identified as Instagram user rohitian.dipak, shared pictures from his memorable meeting with Sharma in Nagpur. The images captured the Indian skipper smiling warmly while posing with a couple of supporters.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen emphasized the enthusiastic reception Rohit Sharma received from the crowd as he stepped onto the field during the first ODI in Nagpur. He believed such an atmosphere could have been intimidating for the opposing team’s players.
While speaking on Star Sports after the first ODI, Pietersen said:
“When Rohit Sharma stepped onto the field, the cameras captured the England dressing room. The moment the crowd erupted in cheers, the entire England team turned their gaze towards him. That’s presence, that’s aura—something he has built over time. Not just because of his name, but because of the sheer weight of his performances, his consistency, and the incredible numbers he has put up.”
“It’s truly extraordinary. The moment Rohit leaves the dressing room, the entire stadium roars in excitement. It’s a testament to how massive these stars are. That’s why I always stress—cherish these legends while they are still playing. Just look at the raw emotions in the stands when someone like Rohit takes those steps onto the field” he concluded.
India and England are set to clash in the second ODI at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday (February 9).
