In a heartfelt revelation that combines personal anecdotes with the spirit of cricket, Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most iconic batters and the current ODI skipper, has shared insights into his father’s deep-rooted love for Test cricket and his reaction to some of Rohit's most monumental moments on the field.

Speaking at the launch of ‘The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife’ — a book authored by Puja Pujara, wife of Cheteshwar Pujara — in Mumbai, Rohit Sharma offered fans a rare glimpse into his personal life and the unique bond he shares with his father through the lens of red-ball cricket.

Over the years, Rohit Sharma has carved a remarkable career, setting records and achieving feats that place him among the greatest batters of his generation. One such feat, etched permanently in the annals of cricketing history, is his 264-run knock in an ODI against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens — the highest individual score in ODI history.

While fans, teammates, and pundits hailed the innings as extraordinary, Rohit’s father had a surprisingly stoic reaction. “I still remember that day I scored 264 in the ODI. He was like, okay, well played. Well done. There was no excitement from him,” said Rohit Sharma, evoking smiles from the audience. The subdued response stemmed not from indifference, but from a deeper emotional investment in red-ball cricket — the traditional format that his father held close to heart.

In contrast, even when Rohit managed modest scores — 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s in Test matches — his father would initiate long conversations about his technique, mindset, and overall game. “He used to talk to me about it in detail. So that's the kind of love he had for the game,” Rohit added. This deep admiration for Test cricket, or red-ball cricket, reveals how for many in the older generation, Test matches remain the ultimate benchmark of a cricketer’s skill and endurance.

Beyond recounting his on-field achievements, Rohit also delved into his emotional farewell from Test cricket. The Mumbai-born cricketer officially retired from the longest format before India’s five-match Test series against England in early 2025. Rohit concluded his Test career with 67 matches, 4,301 runs, and a respectable average of 40.57 — a journey that many would consider legendary, especially considering the late bloom he experienced in the format.

His decision to retire from Test cricket was met with mixed emotions at home, particularly from his father. “My father has seen me playing a lot of cricket with red ball, obviously. So he appreciates red ball cricket a lot. And then, obviously, he was a little disappointed when I announced my retirement. But was happy as well at the same time,” Rohit shared.

These emotional disclosures give fans a deeper understanding of Rohit Sharma not just as a cricketer, but also as a son and family man. They reveal how behind the world records and stadium roars lies a simple man grounded by the values and passions of his upbringing. His father's unwavering affection for the red-ball format serves as a reminder of the pure, traditional love for cricket that still thrives in Indian households.

Rohit's career trajectory in Test cricket wasn’t always smooth. Initially considered a white-ball specialist, his entry into red-ball cricket was delayed and debated. But once he cemented his spot, especially after transitioning into an opener in 2019, he delivered consistently and emerged as a dependable figure in the Indian Test lineup.

His 264-run knock in ODI cricket might still grab headlines and YouTube reruns, but it’s his solid Test innings, particularly those in testing overseas conditions, that have likely made his father the proudest. From facing fiery Australian attacks to batting on difficult English pitches, Rohit's Test career reflects technical finesse and mental resilience.

The event in Mumbai also reflected on the behind-the-scenes lives of cricketers’ families. Pujara’s wife’s book launch served as a platform to shed light on how families remain the silent backbone of sporting icons. Rohit Sharma’s acknowledgment of his father’s emotional nuances underscores the importance of family support in a cricketer’s journey — not just through victories, but through the grind and toil of long-format cricket.

With his retirement from Test cricket and T20s, Rohit now continues to focus on India’s white-ball future as ODI captain. Having led the team to a T20 World Cup title in 2024, he bowed out of the shortest format on a high note. Fans now look forward to seeing him continue in the ODI circuit, hoping for many more match-winning performances.

In closing, Rohit Sharma’s candid confessions about his father’s unique emotional reactions to different formats serve as a touching tribute to the unspoken stories that shape an athlete’s path. While the world may measure greatness in runs and records, sometimes it’s the quiet pride of a father over a 40-run Test knock that captures the essence of a life in cricket.

As Rohit gears up for the next chapter in his illustrious career, the cricketing world remains deeply invested — not just in the milestones he achieves, but in the moments that reveal the man behind the bat. With his father’s love for Test cricket guiding his moral compass, Rohit Sharma continues to inspire not just as a player, but as a son whose journey is anchored in tradition, passion, and silent pride.

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