In a world where every shot, every decision, and every word of a cricketer is dissected under a microscope, Indian captain Rohit Sharma stands tall with a refreshing dose of candor. In a recent heart-to-heart with senior journalist Vimal Kumar in New Delhi, the batting maestro opened up about handling criticism—especially the kind he deems unnecessary—and why he chooses not to waste energy defending himself.
‘I’ve faced a lot of criticism, even unnecessary criticism,’ Rohit admitted with unflinching honesty. ‘I can’t say it doesn’t affect anyone. It might impact some, and not others. But for me, it doesn’t anymore. Over time, you learn to handle it. For any sportsperson, facing critique is part of the journey. What I don’t support is criticism that serves no purpose.’ His words strike a chord, reflecting the maturity of a player who has weathered storms both on and off the field.
One recurring narrative around Rohit has been his supposed Achilles’ heel against left-arm seamers. Addressing this long-standing chatter, the 38-year-old was dismissive yet composed. ‘So much has been said about me getting out to left-arm seamers. Fine, it happens. That’s part of the game. But if I go around defending every single comment, I’m just wasting my time. Defending myself isn’t my job,’ he declared. It’s a powerful statement from a man who lets his bat do most of the talking.
Rohit’s illustrious career across formats offers a robust rebuttal to his detractors. In 273 ODIs, he has amassed 11,168 runs at an average of 48.76, including the staggering highest individual ODI score of 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014—a record that still stands. His leadership credentials are equally impressive, having steered India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title in Barbados, after which he retired from the format, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. While his T20 chapter has closed, Rohit remains a linchpin in ODI cricket, showcasing his adaptability and hunger for runs.
In the longest format, Rohit’s journey is a tale of grit and reinvention. Since his Test debut against West Indies in 2013, he played 67 matches, scoring 4,301 runs with 12 centuries, his highest being a masterful 212. Initially grappling with challenges, especially on foreign soil, Rohit transformed into a formidable Test opener during the ICC World Test Championship era. He emerged as India’s leading run-scorer and century-maker in WTC history, culminating in guiding the team to the 2023 final, though the title eluded them. His recent retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a versatile batter and astute captain endures.
As Rohit Sharma continues to shape India’s cricketing future, particularly in ODIs, his approach to criticism offers a lesson in resilience. By refusing to engage in unnecessary battles off the field, he saves his energy for the ones that matter—between the 22 yards. For fans and aspiring cricketers alike, the Hitman proves that silence can be louder than words, and performance, the ultimate answer to skeptics.