New kid on the block Rohit Sharma has proved his prowess in a short time when it comes to the game of cricket.
“Cricket is my life, passion and religion,” Rohit told CS at an event for cancer-affected kids at Tata Memorial Hospital. The cricketer spoke about cricket and his journey so far:
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Cricket and me
I always wanted to become a cricketer as a kid. Cricket has always been my first love. I started with playing galli cricket and then never looked back. I was on cloud nine when I wore the Indian cricket team’s jersey for the first time. It was the moment of truth for me. With the pride of owning the jersey, also came the responsibility and the pressure of doing something and performing well for the country.
Love affair with the game
Initially, I was decent at studies but later, it all went for a toss! (laughs) I got selected for the school cricket team and then studies took a back seat. Not that
I was bad, but it is just that I couldn't give it the required attention and hence, decided to quit. I strongly believe in doing whatever I am doing with full conviction. When I went to college, my love for cricket further deepened. I started playing first for district, then state and then for team India. That was the time when I gave up my studies and followed cricket religiously.
Setting goals
I have never set a bench mark for myself. I believe in living in the moment and I don't think about the future or making future plans. I feel by doing so, I will be pressurised further. And in a game like cricket, pressure has definitely no place. u00a0I just stick to one aim at a time. I plan according to the upcoming next big thing and follow it. This keeps me in a good mental and physical state.
In Sachin’s footsteps
The person who has helped me throughout my journey is Sachn Tendulkar. Sachin is everything to me. In fact, it was because of him I got into cricket. Not only his game, but also his persona has helped me grow. While in school, I had read a book by Ajit Tendulkar which was about Sachin. It was on that day I decided that nothing on this planet can stop me from becoming a cricketer. That book has inspired me so much, that even till date I treasure it. His humbleness and down-to-earth nature has helped him reach where he is and I would love to follow the same path. I want to be like Sachin!u00a0