Filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar has expressed his admiration for Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma following Rohit's decision to withdraw from the ongoing fifth Test against Australia. On Saturday, Farhan took to Instagram to commend the "superstar" Rohit and to highlight the significance of his choice.

Farhan Akhtar praises Rohit Sharma

In his post, Farhan Akhtar remarked that rather than receiving praise for his "selflessness," Rohit is facing criticism from many. He included a photograph of Rohit in action at the crease. In the caption, Farhan stated, "I need to express this... This individual has contributed immensely to Indian cricket and has led our team with remarkable success over the years."

He further elaborated, "His batting prowess is evident, and he has delivered countless innings that showcase his elite capabilities. It is important to acknowledge that this sport can be unforgiving, and it is rare to find a cricketer who has not experienced a challenging phase."

Farhan on ‘greatest batsmen, bowlers' struggling for form

"We have witnessed even the most exceptional batsmen and bowlers face difficulties with their form. At times, we have wished for them to take a break, regain their form in domestic matches or practice, and then return. It is difficult to think of anyone, especially a captain, who has chosen to do this voluntarily. Here is a player prioritizing his team's chances of victory over his own quest for form, yet instead of being celebrated for his selflessness, he is largely criticized," Farhan remarked.

Farhan hopes to see Rohit soon on field

"Consider this: why would anyone make such a sacrifice if this is the reaction they receive for prioritizing a greater cause over personal accolades? @rohitsharma45, you are a superstar. You are aware of your actions, and I trust that you will not allow negativity to affect you. I simply want to express my gratitude for demonstrating that you place the team above individual success. This is a challenging decision, and only those with the strongest minds and hearts can achieve it. That is what defines a great leader. I look forward to seeing you back on the field soon," he concluded.

About Rohit's performance

On Saturday, Rohit announced that he had stepped down due to a lack of form, while clarifying that he was not retiring from the sport. The opener has struggled throughout the series, leading critics to speculate that his exclusion from the Test—while the team was trailing 2-1 going into the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground—might signify the conclusion of his red-ball career. Rohit stated to Star Sports at the SCG, "I’m not going anywhere. This decision is not a retirement decision nor am I going to step aside from the game."

Rohit was absent from the first Test in Perth due to the birth of his second child. Since then, he has not appeared fully focused, failing to score more than 10 runs in any of his five innings. He mentioned that he had informed the coach and selectors of his "lack of form" and emphasized that for the crucial final Test, the team required "a player in form." Rohit had previously retired from T20 international cricket last year after leading the team to a World Cup victory.

Farhan's upcoming film

Audiences will witness Farhan portraying an army officer, Maj Shaitan Singh PVC, in the military action film 120 Bahadur. Directed by Razneesh Ghai, the film is set against the backdrop of the 1962 Indo-China war and is scheduled for release in 2025.

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