ODI World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma reveals story behind viral bicep flexing gesture to umpire during IND vs PAK

Rohit Sharma was on fire with the bat during India's thumping seven-wicket win against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ongoing ODI World Cup on Saturday.

Published - 15 Oct 2023, 11:57 IST | Updated - 15 Oct 2023, 17:45 IST

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Cricket lovers were treated to a special knock from Indian captain Rohit Sharma during his team's dominating seven-wicket win against Pakistan (PAK) in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday, October 14.

After Rohit won the toss, he didn't hesitate to invite Pakistan to bat first. The Indian bowlers were on the money as they did exceedingly well to dismiss Pakistan for a paltry total of 191 in 42.5 overs. In reply, Rohit decided not to give the 'Men in Green' a sniff as he bludgeoned his way to a stroke-filled 86-run knock off 63 balls, hitting six fours and as many sixes. This innings turned India's run-chase into a cakewalk and the 2011 world champions finished the match with seven wickets in hand and 117 balls to spare.

During the Mumbai batter's swashbuckling innings, he pulled Haris Rauf for a maximum that went some eight rows back into the stands at deep backward square leg. This was the first ball of the 15th over and was bowled at 141.1 kph. After hitting this enormous six, Rohit was seen flexing his bicep and this gesture went viral in minutes.

After host nation's comprehensive win, Hardik Pandya donned the anchor's hat for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) media team. The star all-rounder asked his captain to explain the gesture. To this, the 36-year-old said that the on-field umpire Marais Erasmus asked him if there was something in his bat that was helping him hit such long sixes. In reply, the veteran cricketer told Erasmus that it was his power and not the bat.

"Arey vo (Erasmus) mujhe puch raha tha ki itna lamba chakka kaise maarte ho?Ye there bat mein kuch hai? Maine bola bat mein nahi bhai power hai [Erasmus was asking me how I was hitting such long sixes and if there was anything in my bat. I just told him that it was my power and not the bat]," Rohit told Hardik.