(Video) Suryakumar Yadav Asked Rohit Sharma Whether to ‘Bat or Bowl’ Second Before India vs. USA Toss

Despite retiring from T20Is and Tests, Rohit Sharma remains active in ODIs and aims to represent India in the upcoming 2027 World Cup.

(Video) Suryakumar Yadav Asked Rohit Sharma Whether to ‘Bat or Bowl’ Second Before India vs. USA Toss

Suryakumar Yadav asked Rohit Sharma whether to bat or bowl first against the USA in Mumbai. (via India Today)

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav greeted his predecessor Rohit Sharma, just before the toss for their 2026 T20 World Cup opening match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Yadav asked Sharma for advice on whether his team should bat or bowl.

The crowd at the Wankhede was nostalgic, as former Indian captain Rohit Sharma officially declared the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup open. While the opening ceremony was filled with Bollywood glamour and high-octane music, the loudest cheers were reserved for Sharma. He appeared in a new role this time, as the official 2026 T20 WC Ambassador, while welcoming the silver trophy alongside ICC chief Jay Shah. 

Back on the field, Sharma was flooded with memories of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, ending the team’s 13-year wait for an ICC title. He was, in fact, one of the tournament’s highest run-getters, with 257 runs in eight matches at an average of 36.71 and a remarkable strike-rate of 156.70. The feeling was clearly on the back of his mind as he carried out his ambassadorial duties, receiving a standing ovation from the fans.

Another local hero, Suryakumar Yadav, is captaining the Indian T20I team at the ongoing World Cup. As the two teams assembled for the toss, Yadav surprised everyone by rushing over to his former captain, seeking advice on what decision to take in case India won the toss. Sharma, well-versed with the conditions at the Wankhede, did not hesitate to direct Yadav to field first, comically suggesting he would be ‘crazy’ to choose otherwise.

The 38-year-old’s brief conversation with Yadav appeared in a heartwarming video shared by ICC, which also showed the right-hander confessing how strange it felt for him to be on the other side of the rope instead of leading the team out. Interestingly, Sharma is the only Indian player to have appeared in nine different editions of the T20 World Cup since 2007, having recorded 47 total appearances. 

Rohit Sharma also commended the energy and atmosphere at Wankhede Stadium, noting the Mumbai crowd’s passion for cricket. Following this, he took the time to greet Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and others.

Mukesh Ambani’s surprise gesture: Indian billionaire offers tea to Rohit Sharma at 2026 T20 WC match

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani, along with his wife Nita Ambani and son Akash Ambani, attended India’s 2026 T20 World Cup opener against the USA in Mumbai. They watched the game from the VIP box at the Wankhede Stadium, where they were seated next to Rohit Sharma.

Rohit Sharma and Mukesh Ambani
Mukesh Ambani offered Rohit Sharma tea during India’s T20 World Cup opener against USA. (via Mint)

Sharma shares a deep bond with the Ambani family, stemming from his long association with the Mumbai Indians. In 2013, the 38-year-old was appointed MI’s captain, taking over the role midway through the season from Ricky Ponting. He then led the team to a record five IPL titles, before being replaced by Hardik Pandya in 2024. Both of them kept a close watch on the Indian team’s opener against the USA. 

A video has now been doing the rounds on social media, which showed Ambani’s gesture towards the ex-India skipper. The billionaire couple first stood up to greet Sharma as he arrived at the VIP box. Mukesh Ambani was then seen offering a cup of tea to the 38-year-old cricketer, who declined politely. A social media user joked, suggesting that Rohit Sharma is on a strict ‘diet plan’ until the 2027 World Cup. 

The thrilling match between India and the USA concluded with the Men in Blue securing a 29-run victory after posting a first-innings total of 161/9. Suryakumar Yadav was named POTM for his outstanding individual effort, scoring 84 runs off just 49 balls.

Read More: