Shelter

Rohit bhaiya ke chulbule ladke

IND vs ENG, 5th Test

India wins by an innings and 64 runs! What a truly phenomenal game this was! This was a win truly deserved by the Indian team for a wonderful show of passion and determination on field!

Rohit walked up to Bhogle who smiled and congratulated him for the win. Bhogle asks, "Captain Rohit Sharma, you must surely be proud today. You've done a brilliant job, hats off Cap. But when you look around, on one side there is Stokes, Root and Anderson, all very experienced players and on this side, on your side, there was Rohit Sharma and a bunch of young kids around him. How does it feel to lead such a raw, inexperienced team to victory?"

Rohit smiled fondly as he turned around and saw his bunch of kids standing proudly behind the Winner's banner. He said, "It's not only me who has lead this side to victory. These kids, though fall short in experience, have played a lot of cricket and for me their love for their game always stood out and today it has stood out to the entire world. So, I would like to rephrase your words by saying that it is, this very bunch of young kids has led Rohit Sharma and the country to a seemingly impossible win."

Bhogle smiled, "Today when you go back to the dressing room, what is the message you would like to give to your boys?"

Rohit said, "Uh- I would tell them, to continue playing this way, for themselves and for the country and stick together in all highs and lows, bring each other up and like they did this time, raise their hand up whenever they are required and India's future in cricket, is sorted."

Bhogle said, "Are you proud of them?"

Rohit said, "Of course, I am very proud of them. They didn't let me fall", Rohit turned to look at them once more and said, "Each one of them contributed brilliantly and I feel this series win was a perfect example of a team game. It couldn't have been possible without each of them stepping up to do their job, with the bat or the ball and for me the most beautiful thing was the way they bonded with each other and with me. I loved it, this team is very precious to me and I enjoyed every moment with these boys."

Bhogle smiled and pointed at them, "Your boys are looking at you, Rohit and also your well deserved trophy. Go and get it Captain."

Rohit nodded and went to where Jay Shah was standing. He looked at the bright, shining trophy and thought almost instinctively, "If only this was- "

He shook his head to get it out of his mind, "No Rohit no. Today is not about you. It's for them, these boys, your boys who fought for you. You can't spoil their day because of your miseries."

As Jay Shah handed the trophy to him, a loud cheer of 'Let's go, Rohit bhaiya' erupted in the background. Rohit could not stop the smile from settling on his face. His boys knew quite well how to pick him up every time. He took the trophy thanking everyone and then walked over to where his young Army was standing.

"Here", Rohit said, handing it to Sarfaraz and Dhruv, a tradition started by Mahi bhai to hand the trophy to the youngest members of the team. The said boys who expected Rohit to come and stand in between them with the trophy stood shocked when Rohit literally gave the trophy to the them.

"Bhaiya? You?" asked Dhruv.

Rohit winked at them and said, "I'm right here, standing beside you always. Today is for all of you." And the boys thought that they couldn't love their Rohit bhaiya more!

After all the ceremonies and the dressing room party, everyone was sent to their rooms by Rahul Dravid to rest. Rahul fell into step beside Rohit and put his hand on Rohit's shoulder, "Happy, Ro?"

Rohit smiled and said, "Yes, of course. Very happy."

Rahul shook his head and said, "You know, you remind me of Mahi."