[Watch] When A Young Fan Invaded Field To 'Hug' Rohit Sharma

image-lrouz30bRohit Sharma scored 51 runs in the match vs NZ in January 2023 (AP)

India’s all-format skipper Rohit Sharma is revered all across the country for his exemplary leadership and remarkable batting craft. Fans ardently pursue glimpses of him, both on and off the field, showcasing an unparalleled devotion towards the modern-day batting icon.

Sharma’s magnetic presence transcends stadiums, compelling enthusiasts to traverse great distances for a fleeting moment with the maestro, underscoring the profound impact he has had on the cricketing world. For a select few, the desire to get up close and personal with the cricketer can sometimes excel boundaries, leading them to invade the pitch despite being fully aware of the resulting consequences.

One of such incidents occurred with Sharma back in January 2023, when a young fan got quite personal with the batting veteran during India’s ODI clash against New Zealand in Raipur.

When a young fan invaded pitch to hug Rohit Sharma

Team India, fresh from their 12-run victory against New Zealand in Hyderabad, faced the ‘Black Caps’ in Raipur for the second ODI of their three-match series on January 21, 2023.

Having dismantled the New Zealand line-up for just 108 in 34.3 overs, a Rohit Sharma-led Team India overhauled their meagre target in just 20.1 overs. Captain Sharma himself top-scored in the innings with a near run-a-ball half-century.

Notably, at one stage of his run-chase masterstroke, the cricketer was approached by a young boy on the pitch. The fan in question rushed up to Sharma for a hug before he was escorted off the field by the stadium officials.

Despite Rohit Sharma’s scintillating half-century, it was his teammate Mohammed Shami who walked away with the ‘Player of the Match’ award after India’s eight-wicket win. The speedster claimed three New Zealand wickets in the game to finish with figures of 3-18 from six overs.

Under Sharma’s leadership, Team India went on to wallop New Zealand even in the third ODI to seal their three-match series 3-0.