Mumbai: Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, shared a delightful Christmas-themed announcement, revealing the name of their newborn son. The couple, already parents to their daughter Samaira, named their second child Ahaan.
Ritika took to Instagram to post a heartwarming family-themed illustration, styled in festive winter attire. The cutout, captioned simply as “December,” featured each family member’s nickname: Rohit as “Ro,” Ritika as “Rits,” Samaira as “Sammy,” and the newest addition, Ahaan.
A Subtle Hint in November
The joyous announcement follows an earlier teaser from Rohit Sharma in November when he referenced the popular sitcom Friends to announce the family’s expansion. His Instagram post, dated “15.11.2024,” featured the caption, “The FAMILY, the one where we are four,” hinting at the arrival of their baby boy.
Samaira, the couple’s first child, was born in 2018, and now, with Ahaan’s arrival, the Sharma family has grown to four members.
Cricket and Family: Balancing Both Worlds
Rohit had missed India’s travel to Perth for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to Ahaan’s birth. In his absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah led the team to a remarkable 295-run victory in the series opener.
Rohit later rejoined the team for a warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra. The pink-ball match, reduced to one day due to rain, saw Rohit batting at number four — a shift from his usual opening role. Despite managing only three runs off 11 balls, Rohit is set to return to the top order for the first Test against Australia in Adelaide, beginning on December 6.
Key Series for India and Rohit’s Leadership
The upcoming Test series against Australia holds significant importance for India as they aim to secure a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final. Rohit Sharma’s leadership and batting will be pivotal in this mission.
Rohit has a mixed record in Test cricket on Australian soil, with 408 runs in seven matches at an average of 31.38, including three half-centuries. However, his recent form has been inconsistent.
- 2023 Performance:
In 2023, Rohit scored 588 runs in 11 Tests (21 innings) at an average of 29.40. He recorded two centuries, two half-centuries, and a top score of 131. - World Test Championship 2023-25:
During the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle, Rohit has scored 833 runs in 14 Tests, averaging 33.32, with three centuries and four fifties.
Challenges Ahead for the Captain
Despite his leadership prowess, Rohit’s recent Test performances against Bangladesh and New Zealand have raised concerns. Across five matches, he managed only 133 runs in 10 innings, averaging a mere 13.30.
The Adelaide Test will serve as a critical platform for Rohit to regain form and lead India to a strong start in the series. His ability to anchor the innings and capitalize on opportunities will be crucial for India’s chances.
A December to Remember for the Sharma Family
As the Sharma family celebrates the arrival of baby Ahaan, Rohit balances the joys of fatherhood with the pressures of cricket leadership. With festive cheer at home and high stakes on the field, December promises to be an unforgettable month for the Indian skipper and his family.
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