I Was Crying: Ashwin Shares Rohit Sharma’s Unbelievable Gesture During Mother’s Illness

When Virat Kohli stepped down as captain, there was a lot of discussion in the cricket world. Many people ask about how Team India would manage without Kohli’s forceful leadership style.

Eventually, Rohit Sharma took over as captain and quickly answered doubts by adopting a cool-headed strategy. He puts teamwork first and when compared to Kohli’s fiery manner, his leadership style radiates calmness. His leadership is characterized by transparent communication and a team-centric mindset.

Sharma has become a well-known leader with his friendly demeanor and ability to foster a supportive environment within the team. This shift in dynamics stands out prominently, offering a departure from the potentially intimidating environment perceived under Kohli. As a result of Rohit’s approachability, the squad has a healthy team culture where players feel appreciated and encouraged.

This leadership trait was particularly demonstrated when Ravichandran Ashwin had to leave the squad in the middle of the series to care for his sick mother in Chennai, following his 500th Test wicket against England in Rajkot. Although Ashwin’s personal experience during the third Test was kept hidden, he eventually made the entire situation public and expressed his thanks to Rohit Sharma for his unflinching support.

Undoubtedly, Ashwin’s quick comeback to the squad was made possible by Rohit’s unwavering support. It also eventually helped India win by the biggest margin of runs against England in Test history.

Ravichandran Ashwin talks about how Rohit Sharma helped him meet his sick mother in the middle of the series

Recently, on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin shared a heartwarming story that enlightened Rohit Sharma’s compassion. Ashwin talked about the tough choice he had to make to quit the team when his mother became very ill in the middle of a series.

Ashwin described the emotional turbulence as follows:

“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.”

He 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 were 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.”

Ashwin conveyed his sincere appreciation to Rohit while highlighting the Indian captain’s remarkable skills

He commended Rohit for having sincere empathy for people, saying,

“I’ve played under several captains and leaders, Rohit has something in him, for his good heart only. He’s won 5 IPL titles, on par with Dhoni.”

He added,

“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.”