The first Test between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 19, 2024, provided fans with an unforgettable experience. As Rohit Sharma, India’s captain and one of the most beloved cricketers in the country, stepped onto the field to open the innings, the Chepauk crowd erupted with an overwhelming chant of “India ka raja, Rohit Sharma,” and “Mumbai ka raja, Rohit Sharma.” The sheer intensity of the support from the fans demonstrated the deep connection they have with the cricketer and the emotional impact he continues to have on the cricketing community.
A Wave of Love for Rohit Sharma
Chennai, also known as Chepauk, has long been a cricketing hub, famous for its passionate and knowledgeable crowd. The moment Rohit Sharma walked out to bat alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, the stadium roared to life. The chant, “India ka raja,” reverberated throughout, showing not just support for his cricketing prowess but also admiration for his leadership and calm demeanor under pressure. Despite being from Mumbai and a hero in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Mumbai Indians, Rohit’s fanbase spans across the country, and the Chennai crowd was no exception.
The “India ka raja” chant has gained momentum in recent times, especially following India’s victorious campaign under Rohit in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, where he ended India’s 11-year drought of ICC trophies. His status as a leader and a match-winner has solidified him as one of the most adored players in Indian cricket history. The chants, which originated in the IPL to support him, have now transcended formats and venues, as fans continue to shower their affection upon him, regardless of his form or performance.
Rohit’s Brief Stay at the Crease
Unfortunately for his fans, Rohit Sharma’s time at the crease in this Test was short-lived. Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, decided to bowl first, and Hasan Mahmud’s brilliant delivery in the sixth over caught Rohit off-guard, dismissing him for just six runs. Mahmud’s sharp bowling left the Indian captain with little room to maneuver, and Shanto at second slip completed the dismissal, silencing the earlier jubilant crowd—at least momentarily.
Despite the early wicket, Rohit’s dismissal did not dampen the spirit of the Chepauk crowd. The energy remained high, especially with fans having already seen their beloved captain and showered him with chants.
The Match Develops
After Rohit’s dismissal, India’s innings faltered. Shubman Gill, coming in at number three, was also dismissed for a duck, further unsettling the Indian camp. Mahmud continued his brilliant spell by dismissing Virat Kohli for just six runs, leaving India in trouble at 34/3 within the first 10 overs.
However, the match saw a revival when young Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant came together for a steady partnership. Their 54-run stand offered some respite to India before Pant was dismissed for 39. Jaiswal, too, fell after scoring a well-made 56, leaving the lower-middle order to fend off the persistent Bangladeshi attack.
As the day progressed, the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin stepped up to the challenge. Ashwin, in particular, played a crucial knock, scoring an unbeaten 50, helping India push past the 230-run mark before stumps on Day 1.
Rohit Sharma: A Symbol of Hope
Despite the early loss of wickets and his personal failure with the bat, Rohit Sharma’s mere presence on the field continues to inspire millions. His legacy as India’s captain and his achievements in white-ball cricket have made him a symbol of hope, especially when India finds itself in tough situations. The chants at Chepauk reflected the fans’ unwavering belief in their captain.
Rohit has had a storied career, becoming a global cricket icon. His leadership in the IPL and international cricket has made him a household name. The crowd’s chants of “India ka raja” are not just about his batting; they acknowledge his larger-than-life presence in Indian cricket.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s stature as “India ka raja” is not just a catchy chant; it encapsulates the love and admiration Indian fans hold for their captain. Even in Chennai, far from his IPL home in Mumbai, the support was palpable as he took the field during the Test match against Bangladesh. While his performance with the bat wasn’t one for the history books this time, the overwhelming show of affection from the Chepauk crowd is a testament to his legacy as one of India’s most cherished cricketers.
The ongoing Test match continues to unfold, but the echoes of the Chepauk crowd chanting Rohit’s name will remain one of the most memorable moments from this encounter.