-Debasis Sen, Adelaide
Indian cricketers are celebrated worldwide, and their immense popularity transcends borders. Among the current crop of players, stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah enjoy a special place in the hearts of their fans. The admiration for these cricketers is not limited to India, as fans across the world adore them, regardless of where they reside.
On Monday, Rohit made an emotional gesture that won hearts. Little Kaushani, an 11-year-old girl and a die-hard fan of Indian cricketers, had come to the Intercontinental Hotel with her father, Kaushik, hoping to meet her heroes. They waited outside the hotel to catch a glimpse of the team and take photos and autographs. Unfortunately, due to hotel security keeping fans at a distance and the heavy rain, Kaushani and her father were left disappointed, unable to meet the players or get any memorabilia.
Just when they were feeling disheartened, Rohit noticed Kaushani, who was holding a pink ball, as the Indian team returned to the hotel in their coach. Despite the busy schedule, the India captain stepped out after checking into his room. He approached the young fan and much to her delight, signed the ball and posed for photographs with her and her father. The simple yet heartfelt gesture turned what seemed like a missed opportunity into an unforgettable moment.
Rohit Sharma takes a moment to greet fans in Adelaide, spreading smiles Down Under! 🇦🇺🫶 #RohitSharma #INDvsAUS #BGT2024 pic.twitter.com/E4a7638fFD
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) December 2, 2024
Kaushani was overwhelmed and shared her excitement, saying: “It was a dream come true moment for me. I came straight from school with my dad to take some pictures with the Indian cricketers. I am thrilled and overjoyed to meet the India captain and get my ball signed by him.”
For Kaushik, who owns a cricket club in Adelaide, the moment was even more significant. “My daughter is a huge fan of the Indian cricketers. It was very generous of Rohit to come out after checking in to sign the ball for my daughter. It was even more special as it could be his last Test in Adelaide, and to get a picture with the T20 World champion captain will always be a cherished memory,” he said.
Rohit’s gesture meant a lot to the father and daughter, and it underscored the cricketer’s humility and kindness. Rohit will lead India in the highly anticipated pink-ball Test against Australia at Adelaide Oval, which begins on December 6.