It was a scene straight out of a blockbuster movie, but this was real life. Former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar transformed into an impromptu bodyguard for Rohit Sharma, shielding the star batter from a sea of overzealous fans at Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park. The chaotic moment, now a viral sensation, has reignited conversations about fan frenzy and player safety in Indian cricket.
On a Friday afternoon in October 2025, Rohit Sharma was deep in preparation for the upcoming high-stakes tour of Australia. His chosen ground? The historic Shivaji Park, a nursery for countless Mumbai and Indian cricket legends. However, what was meant to be a focused training session quickly spiraled into chaos as thousands of fans gathered, desperate for a glimpse of their hero .
The crowd’s passion, while a testament to Rohit’s immense popularity, became a serious safety hazard. In a now-famous clip, Abhishek Nayar, who was assisting Rohit with his training, can be seen physically creating a barrier between the star and the surging crowd. His desperate plea, “Usko lagna nahi chahiye!” (He shouldn’t get hit!), echoed through the park, a raw moment of concern for his friend and former teammate .
Abhishek Nayar is no stranger to the cricketing world. A stalwart of Mumbai cricket, he played 3 ODIs for India and has an impressive domestic record, amassing over 5,700 runs in first-class cricket with a stellar average of 45.62 . His deep understanding of the game and his close bond with Rohit made him the perfect training partner for this crucial pre-tour camp.
His actions at Shivaji Park, however, showcased a different kind of strength—loyalty and quick thinking. In a moment of crisis, he didn’t hesitate to put his friend’s safety first, a gesture that has won him admiration from fans and fellow cricketers alike.
This intense training session wasn’t just for show. Rohit Sharma is gearing up for a pivotal three-match ODI series against Australia, which kicks off on October 19, 2025, in Perth . This tour is a critical part of India’s build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, and every net session counts.
Here’s a quick look at the upcoming schedule:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | October 19, 2025 | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| 2nd ODI | October 23, 2025 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| 3rd ODI | October 25, 2025 | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
The Indian team is scheduled to depart for Australia on October 15, leaving very little room for error or injury in their final preparations .
The incident at Shivaji Park is a powerful reminder of the immense love Indian fans have for their cricket stars. Rohit Sharma, a two-time T20 World Cup winner and one of the most prolific batters in ODI history, commands a massive following .
However, this passion can sometimes cross the line into dangerous territory. The security challenges for top athletes in India are immense, and the onus is on both event organizers and fans to ensure a safe environment. Nayar’s intervention was a necessary, but perhaps avoidable, act of protection.
Despite the chaos, Rohit Sharma’s focus remains firmly on the task ahead. His performance in Australia will be crucial for his personal form and for the team’s momentum. With his trusted friend and former teammate Abhishek Nayar by his side, both on and off the field, he seems ready to face the challenge.
In a stunning display of power-hitting, India shattered their own record for the fastest T20I…
In a stunning display of explosive batting, India crushed New Zealand by 8 wickets in…
Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck on the first ball against New Zealand—the…
Abhishek Sharma lit up the India vs New Zealand T20I with a historic 14-ball fifty—the…
In a stunning display of dominance at Optus Stadium, the Perth Scorchers claimed their record-extending…
In a breathtaking display of athleticism, Hardik Pandya pulled off a gravity-defying catch to dismiss…