Dinesh Lad, the childhood coach of India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma, revealed an interesting story about Rohit’s breakthrough during the 2007 season. In a YouTube podcast with Gaurav Manglani, released on Saturday, August 9, Lad recounted how an injury to Manoj Tiwary just before the Bangladesh series in May 2007 opened the door for Rohit to join the national team.
After Tiwary’s injury, Rohit, a Mumbai player, received his first ODI call-up for the Ireland tour in June, where he made his debut. He then joined the squad for the England series and went on to represent India in the first-ever 2007 T20 World Cup. Lad shared:
“Unfortunately, during that Bangladesh tour, Manoj got injured. While playing, he fell and dislocated his shoulder. The next tour was to Ireland and England for the World Cup, and that is when Rohit was selected. Manoj Tiwary’s injury opened the door for him. This is what I call the luck factor.”
Dinesh Lad recalled Rohit calling him during the World Cup, frustrated about not playing. His chance came in the second match when Yuvraj Singh missed the South Africa game, and Rohit scored an unbeaten 50 off 40 balls. Lad said:
“After that, in the first four matches of the T20 World Cup, Rohit did not get a chance. He would call me saying, “I am fed up.” I told him, “Are you mad? You are in the Indian team, not playing street cricket. Be patient, your chance will come.” Then he told me, “Sir, if I get a chance, I will make it count.”
“Fortunately, Yuvraj Singh fell ill, and Rohit got his chance in the match against South Africa. He scored 50 runs and was involved in a run-out. From there, Rohit took off and never looked back. You see, this is the luck factor,” he added.
“His Time Will Come”- Dinesh Lad’s Strong Message On Arjun Tendulkar’s Future
In the same video, Dinesh Lad discussed Sachin Tendulkar’s son, Arjun, commending the 25-year-old’s talent. He emphasized how luck plays a crucial role in a player’s career, comparing it to Rohit Sharma’s path. Lad expressed that with the right luck, Arjun has the potential to achieve significant success.
“I have seen Arjun and taken a lot of interest in him. I have watched him since childhood. He bowls well and bats well. It is just a matter of time; his moment can come anytime. He is probably 24 or 25 years old now. You never know. There is also a luck factor in this. If Arjun’s luck also clicks, he will definitely reach a good level. His cricketing skills are good; not only does he bat well, but he also bowls well. His time will come,” he said.
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