A Fitting Tribute: Rohit Sharma Honoured in Dressing Room as Gambhir’s Praise Speaks Volumes

The Indian dressing room witnessed an emotional and heartening scene as veteran opener Rohit Sharma was honoured shortly before his departure from the squad following the conclusion of the ODI series against Australia. The tribute, coming on the heels of a magnificent match-winning century, also showcased the unequivocal appreciation of Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, whose reaction was perhaps the most telling sign of the impact Sharma continues to have on the team.

Rohit, who struck a brilliant unbeaten 121 in the final One Day International in Sydney to guide India to a consolation nine-wicket victory, was presented with the ‘Impact Player of the Series’ award in front of his teammates. The award recognised his impressive series tally of 202 runs, which included a gritty 73 in the second ODI before his Sydney masterclass.

As the team’s Strength and Conditioning coach, Adrian Le Roux, presented the award, he hailed the former captain, stating, “This award is for the Impact Player of the Series—someone really special. I think we all agree, a leader of men, an experienced player, you showed that here tonight.” The atmosphere in the dressing room was electric, with teammates reportedly chanting ‘RoKo!’—the popular moniker for the partnership between Rohit and Virat Kohli—as the opener accepted the honour.

However, it was Head Coach Gautam Gambhir’s sincere praise that truly amplified the moment. Often known for his stern and pragmatic demeanour, Gambhir was visibly delighted and delivered a powerful message of recognition to the senior players.

In a video shared by the BCCI, Gambhir specifically lauded the unbroken 168-run partnership between Rohit and Virat Kohli, which anchored the successful chase of 237. Speaking directly to the squad, he said, “And a special mention to Ro—another hundred, outstanding, and most importantly, you finished it off, and Virat as well.”

The simple yet emphatic phrase, “The most important thing was that you finished it off,” from a coach as demanding as Gambhir, served as the ultimate validation. It highlighted not just the artistry of the century but the clinical maturity and responsibility displayed by Sharma to see the team through to the end—a quality Gambhir values immensely. His words underscored the crucial role of experienced players in high-pressure chases and cemented Rohit’s status as an indispensable presence in the 50-over format, especially amidst speculation about the future of the senior players.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departed for India soon after the match, having successfully responded to the growing outside chatter with their phenomenal performance. The dressing room honour and Gambhir’s heartfelt appreciation provided a fitting send-off for the stalwart, ensuring he leaves the tour with a reminder of the respect and value he commands within the Indian setup.