Rohit Sharma, India cricketer recalled the time when he shared the dressing room with Ricky Ponting, former captain of Australia for the Mumbai Indians in the 2013 Indian Premier League. Rohit joined India’s teammate Ravichandran Ashwin in an Instagram live session on Monday, and they spoke about various topics, both on and off the field.
Rohit told Ashwin during their interaction online, “We got Ricky Ponting inside the auction in 2013. Sachin (Tendulkar) said in 2012 that he would not lead Mumbai, and Harbhajan Singh was made the skipper, “
Rohit said in the live session, “But I don’t know why Bhajju paa wasn’t the captain in 2013. And I thought I was going to be the captain but then Ponting was bought in the auction.”
The India cricketer further says, “During the 2013 season, Ponting was the first to arrive in India. He tried to understand everyone. He said he would like to have a team bonding session first.”
He mentioned to his teammate, “This made a very positive impact on everyone, in a way. The younger guys were really inspired by Ponting.”
Besides that, Rohit also explained why Ponting stepped down halfway through the tournament as captain and handed over the reins to the current India vice-captain in limited overs.
The India opener said during the interview, “He didn’t score runs so he chose to step down as the captain. Lastly, Ponting called me, and I was offered the captaincy. During the 2013 season, he was actually player-cum-coach. He’s always been there to support me.”
Rohit, a proud father of a baby girl, also spoke about how his life has changed since Samaira’s arrival, during his interaction with Ashwin. He said that he has given up eating Mumbai’s popular street food after midnight.
Rohit mentioned, “I have been out a few times, and went to that popular place near Chowpatty. You ‘re going to get one of the best pav bhaajis out there.”
“Now I have a small one in the house, probably sleeping at that point, so after midnight there is no chance to go and eat pav bhaajis.”
