Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar has commended Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma for his decision to step aside from the fifth Test against Australia. Sharing his thoughts on Instagram, Farhan praised Rohit for his “selflessness” and leadership while criticizing those who have been overly critical of the cricketer.
Farhan Akhtar applauds Rohit Sharma
In his post, Farhan shared a photo of Rohit batting and wrote, “This guy has done so much for Indian cricket and captained our team incredibly well and successfully over the years.” He highlighted Rohit’s exceptional batting skills and lauded his numerous standout performances over the years.
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Farhan further stated, “Yes, this sport can be cruel, and you’d be hard-pressed to come up with a name of a cricketer who hasn’t gone through a lean period.”
On players struggling with form
The actor pointed out how even the greatest players experience periods of struggle, saying, “We’ve seen the greatest batsmen and bowlers struggle for form… at times we’ve secretly wished that they would take a break, find their form in domestic cricket or the nets, then make a comeback. You’d be hard-pressed to think of someone, more so a captain, who did that voluntarily.”
Farhan’s gratitude for Rohit’s leadership
Expressing his disappointment at the criticism directed at Rohit, Farhan remarked, “Instead of being applauded for his selflessness, the majority is tearing him down.” He praised Rohit for prioritizing the team’s success over his personal form, writing, “@rohitsharma45 You’re a superstar. You know what you’re doing and I know you won’t let the negativity get you down… Thank you for showing the world that you put team before individual. That’s what makes a great leader.”
Rohit Sharma addresses his decision
Rohit clarified his decision to step down during an interview with Star Sports, dismissing speculation about retirement. He said, “I’m not going anywhere. This decision is not a retirement decision nor am I going to step aside from the game.” The opener emphasized the need for an in-form player for the crucial Test match and admitted his own struggles with form during the series.
Rohit Sharma’s recent performances
Rohit has faced challenges throughout the series, failing to score beyond 10 runs in his last five innings. He also missed the first Test due to the birth of his second child. Despite this, Rohit insisted he remains committed to the team and the game.
Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming project
Meanwhile, Farhan Akhtar is gearing up for his role as Maj Shaitan Singh PVC in 120 Bahadur, a military action film set during the 1962 Indo-China war. Directed by Razneesh Ghai, the film is slated for release in 2025.