As India gear up for a crucial Test season, Sarfaraz Khan praised captain Rohit Sharma for his influence and impactful leadership, comparing him to Aamir Khan’s iconic character in the film Lagaan ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
Sarfaraz Khan said Rohit’s influence goes beyond his cricketing skills as he described the Indian cricket team captain as a “big brother” who creates an environment of support and respect in the team.
Sarfaraz Khan compares Rohit Sharma to Aamir Khan’s iconic role in Lagaan
The Mumbai batsman said that this camaraderie has developed unity and positivity among the players. Sarfaraz Khan, who made his Test debut under Rohit’s captaincy earlier this year during India’s home series against England, had a great experience with the nurturing atmosphere that Rohit Sharma built around him.
He added that the Indian captain, in a high-pressure environment, ensures that all players, irrespective of their experience or status, are treated with equal respect and encouragement. Notably, the right-handed batsman seized the opportunity and scored 200 runs in just three matches, with three fifties during his first Test series.
His aggressive batting in the middle order was of immense help in India winning the series against England as it demonstrated not only his talent for the game but also the confidence that the leadership had instilled in him.
Treat everyone equally: Sarfaraz on Rohit
Sarfaraz credited Rohit’s influence for the changes in his confidence and game as he could now adapt to the international arena and play with unwavering faith. He added that Lagaan is his favourite film and that Rohit Sharma is the Aamir Khan of the Indian cricket team.
Sarfaraz Khan told Jio Cinema, “He is very different. He makes you feel very comfortable. Rohit Sharma is like an elder brother. We really enjoyed playing with him. I first saw him from the outside; now I have played with him to experience it. He doesn’t treat us like we are youngsters; he treats everyone equally.
“Lagaan is my favourite film. Just like Aamir Khan formed that team in the film, in my opinion, Rohit Sharma is like Aamir Khan for this team.”
Sarfaraz Khan hails Rohit Sharma as a ‘big brother’ of Indian cricket team; compares iconic captaincy role to Aamir Khan in Lagaan
He’s a goat: Dhruv Jurel on Rohit Sharma
Meanwhile, Indian wicket-keeper batsman Dhruv Jurel expressed his admiration for Rohit’s effortless batting style and shared how amazed he was to see the senior opener perform up close.
The 20-year-old also made his Test debut earlier this year under Rohit’s captaincy during India’s series against England, and the Indian skipper’s composed approach left a lasting impression on him.
Jurel told Jio Cinema: “When we were watching him on TV, people would say, ‘He has a lot of time (to play his shots). But, when you watch him closely, you realise that the pitches you are struggling with, the pitches your bat is not flowing properly for, he is easily sending them into the stands. His pull shot is very famous. Watching these things from close quarters is special. He is a scumbag.”
It is noteworthy that Jurel and Sarfaraz have been named in India’s squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19 in Chennai.
