Sarfaraz Khan recently shared glowing praise for Indian captain Rohit Sharma, highlighting his influential leadership within the Indian cricket team. Ahead of the upcoming series, Sarfaraz referred to Rohit as a “big brother” figure, noting the camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere Rohit fosters among his teammates. Sarfaraz’s admiration extended to an intriguing comparison, likening Rohit’s leadership style to that of Aamir Khan’s character Bhuvan in the iconic Bollywood film Lagaan.
In Lagaan, Bhuvan, played by Aamir Khan, inspires a group of villagers to come together against all odds to win a cricket match against the British. Sarfaraz drew parallels between this fictional character’s ability to unify his team and Rohit’s real-life leadership on the field. According to Sarfaraz, Rohit’s calm, relaxed approach helps players feel comfortable, regardless of seniority. He emphasized that Rohit never makes anyone feel like a junior, creating an atmosphere of equality and mutual respect. This supportive environment allows players like Sarfaraz to perform with confidence.
Since taking over the captaincy from Virat Kohli in 2022, Rohit Sharma has brought a sense of stability to the Indian side. His leadership style is often described as calm and calculated, which has played a key role in uniting the team through challenging series. Under his captaincy, India has seen notable success in Test matches, and the bond Rohit shares with his players has been a crucial factor in building a cohesive unit.
Sarfaraz, who made his Test debut earlier this year, credits Rohit’s guidance for his smooth transition into international cricket. Having played under Rohit’s captaincy, Sarfaraz acknowledges how the senior player’s encouraging demeanor has bolstered his confidence and allowed him to express himself freely on the field.
This relationship between Rohit and the younger players in the team demonstrates Rohit’s ability to connect with teammates on a personal level. Sarfaraz mentioned that playing under a captain as approachable as Rohit makes a significant difference in morale. His laid-back yet effective leadership style has earned him comparisons to great leaders, both in cricket and, as Sarfaraz pointed out, in popular culture.
Sarfaraz is not the only player who has been vocal about Rohit’s leadership qualities. Other young cricketers, like Dhruv Jurel, have also highlighted Rohit’s ability to stay composed under pressure. Jurel, who also made his debut during India’s home series against England, spoke about how Rohit’s calm nature positively impacts the team’s performance. Jurel specifically noted Rohit’s technical proficiency, admiring his effortless pull shots and considering him one of the best players of the current era.
Looking forward, Sarfaraz is eager to continue learning under Rohit’s leadership. As part of the Indian squad set to face Bangladesh in an upcoming two-Test series, Sarfaraz feels fortunate to play alongside such an influential figure. Rohit conducted the team’s first training session ahead of the series, with the opening Test scheduled to begin soon in Chennai.
Rohit’s approach to captaincy appears to have resonated deeply with the younger members of the Indian squad, and Sarfaraz’s praise is a testament to the bond that has been built. The comparison to Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Bhuvan in Lagaan is not just about cricket; it reflects a broader narrative of unifying a team, building trust, and inspiring people to give their best. As Sarfaraz put it, when a senior player like Rohit stays with the team “so bindass” (relaxed), it lifts the entire team’s spirit.
This positive environment will be crucial as India prepares for several challenging series ahead. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, players like Sarfaraz are thriving, and with such a strong bond within the team, India looks well-equipped to continue its winning ways.