A day after Rohit Sharma guided Mumbai Indians (MI) to a dominant nine-wicket win over arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025, he took to Instagram to thank former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.
The MI opener had an underwhelming start to the 2025 campaign, and it took him seven innings and a high-stakes game against five-time champions CSK to finally break free.
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Rohit slammed an unbeaten 76 runs off 45 balls, scoring at an impressive strike rate of 168.9, in an inning that included four fours and six sixes.
Not only was it a statement of turning up when it matters most, but he did it days after it was announced that a stand would be named after him at the Wankhede.
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MI vs CSK: How did Rohit Sharma thank Abhishek Nayar after IPL 2025 win at Wankhede?
The MI opener credited Nayar on his Instagram story, which simply read: "Thanks bro!" and an image of himself from Sunday night's win at the Wankhede.
Rohit Sharma thanked Abhishek Nayar for last night's knock against Chennai 🤍
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 21, 2025
- Ro, A lovely gesture. pic.twitter.com/G2ecrb4KOe
Having played alongside Nayar in the Mumbai Ranji team and worked with him during the former's stint with Team India, Rohit's appreciation for the now Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach does not come as a surprise.
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Why did Rohit Sharma thank Abhishek Nayar?
According to a Cricbuzz report, Nayar was working closely with the Indian captain after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) removed him from his role as the country's assistant coach.
While he has now rejoined KKR, the duo were reportedly spotted working together at the Mumbai Cricket Association's BKC facility after MI's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 17.
This was followed by Rohit's unbeaten 76 in the next match against CSK in the chase of 177. Up until this point, Rohit had scores of 0, 8, 13, 17, 18, and 26, and therefore, it has now become clear why the MI opener made a special post, acknowledging Nayar's contribution.
Abhishek Nayar's influence on Rohit Sharma and Team India players
The report further highlighted Nayar's influence in helping Rohit prepare for the next ODI World Cup in 2027, with a special focus on his fitness.
The MI batter is not the first Indian cricketer to credit the KKR coach. Following Delhi Capitals' memorable win over CSK, KL Rahul shared a similar sentiment, giving a shout-out to the ex-India assistant.
Speaking to DC mentor Kevin Pietersen after his match-winning knock of 77 runs at Chepauk, Rahul spoke about how Nayar had helped him transform into a better modern-day white-ball cricketer.
"I've worked really hard on my white ball game over the last year or so. Big shout out to Abhishek Nayar. I've worked a lot with him ever since he's come into the Indian team," Rahul had said.
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Rahul added: "We've spent hours and hours together talking about my white ball game and how I can be better. We've worked hours and hours together in Bombay, and I think somewhere I've found the fun in playing white-ball cricket."