Guwahati, September 30 (Daily Kiran) : Indian opener Rohit Sharma described his unique celebration following his 35th ODI century as deeply personal. After scoring a remarkable 101 runs off 75 balls against the West Indies at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, he emphasized that the celebration was meant solely for himself.
Rohit played a crucial role in helping India chase down a historic target of 406 runs, partnering with captain Shubman Gill for a staggering 255-run opening stand, where Gill scored an unbeaten 223. Upon completing his century, Rohit celebrated by lifting his knees while running after taking a single, gently raising his bat in the air.
In a post-match interview, he stated, “I keep that celebration to myself. It’s for me. Some things are just for you and not meant to be shared.” He also recounted a light-hearted exchange with teammate Ravindra Jadeja, who inquired about the meaning behind his celebration. Rohit replied, “I’ll tell you in the dressing room. It’s for me, but he was suggesting new ideas, wanting me to slide and jump in celebration. I told him, after fielding for 50 overs and batting for nearly 30, I wasn’t going to do that.”
Discussing the record chase, Rohit highlighted the importance of not panicking despite the daunting target. “The key was to focus on building partnerships rather than worrying about the scoreboard,” he explained.
He praised Gill’s performance, noting, “Gill was playing brilliantly on the other side, maintaining complete control throughout his innings, and it was great to see him remain not out.”
After fielding in the sweltering conditions for 50 overs, Rohit acknowledged the physical and mental strength required for batting. He credited his focus and years of experience, stating, “It’s all about focus. You have to keep reminding yourself not to lose your wicket, especially in tough conditions.”
Rohit concluded by emphasizing the significance of strong partnerships, which ultimately secured the victory for India. “We knew the pitch was good and needed big runs from the top order, which we achieved with a fantastic partnership of nearly 250 runs. Watching Gill play was a delight, and I’m glad we finished with a win.”
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