In a tense moment during Day 3 of the Ranchi Test, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's sharp intervention averted a potentially grave mishap as young fielder Sarfaraz Khan attempted a risky move without protective gear. With India pushing for victory against England, Sharma's quick wit and concern for his teammate's safety showcased exemplary leadership on the field.
During the 47th over of the match, with spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja in action, Rohit Sharma directed Sarfaraz Khan to switch fielding positions from long on to silly mid-off. However, Khan's decision to forgo wearing a helmet in the close-in position caught Sharma's attention. Sensing the danger, Sharma swiftly approached Khan, admonishing him with the words, "Oye, hero nahi banne ka" (Hey, don't try to be a hero), emphasizing the importance of safety first.
Commentator Karthik highlighted Sharma's intervention, praising his unique style of communication and the crucial reminder to prioritize safety over bravado. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena also intervened, reinforcing the necessity of protective gear in such fielding positions.
Sharma's timely warning proved crucial as just moments later, a defensive shot from the batsman struck Khan's helmet, underscoring the potential risks involved in cricket without proper protection. The incident served as a stark reminder of the tragic loss of Indian cricketer Raman Lamba in 1998 due to a similar head injury sustained while fielding without a helmet.
Despite the scare, Khan had showcased commendable fielding skills earlier in the match, contributing with crucial catches. However, Sharma's vigilance ensured his safety remained paramount, fulfilling a promise made to Khan's father to look out for his son's well-being.
On the cricketing front, India's dominance continued as Ashwin's stellar performance, supported by Yadav's impressive bowling, restricted England to 145 runs in the second innings. Chasing a target of 192 runs, India got off to a flying start with Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal's aggressive batting, with Sharma reaching significant milestones in his Test career along the way.
