India's former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar hilariously told skipper Shubman Gill not to share popcorn with batting great Rohit Sharma. The incident happened when the first ODI between India and Australia was halted due to rain, and Gill was spotted having popcorn in the dressing room alongside his predecessor Rohit at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Abhishek Nayar for Rohit Sharma
Notably, Abhishek Nayar played a crucial role in Rohit's transformation for the ODI series against England. The 38-year-old lost 11 Kgs before making an international comeback after seven months.
Arey bhai usse popcorn mat de (Don’t let him eat popcorn)," Nayar said during his commentary stint on Star Sports.
Nayar hilarously trolled Rohit saying that he lost 11 kgs which is now 10.5 as he ate popcorn.
“Rohit ne 11 kg weight kam kiya tha, ab woh 10.5 ho gaya… popcorn khane ke baad .’’
Nayar lauds Gill
Nayar further praised Gill for spending time with Rohit in the dressing room. Opening duo Rohit and Shubman failed to perform in the overcast conditions against the new ball after being asked to bat. Nayar believes that Gill is spending time with Rohit to make sure that the veteran batter is comfortable with the transition in captaincy.
"In my opinion, the effort that Shubman Gill is putting in here to make sure that Rohit Sharma is comfortable, is commendable. Because what happens at times is that the awkwardness in the dressing room, even if you played a lot together, and you know that he has backed you, when you become his captain, you still want that person to feel like you care about him," Abhishek Nayar said on Star Sports.
"Shubman Gill can sit anywhere he wants in the dressing room, but I think that he strategically sat beside Rohit Sharma. Whatever he can give Rohit Sharma to be successful, he is trying to do that. As long as he does not offer him popcorn, he is doing the right thing," he added.
India vs Australia 1st innings report
After being asked to bat, India managed to score 136 for nine against Australia in the rain-interrupted first ODI. The clash was reduced to a 26-over-a-side game after the third rain interruption. The Shubman Gill-led side were struggling at 52 for four in 16.4 overs when rain halted the proceedings for the third time. However, Axar Patel (31 off 38) and KL Rahul (38 off 31) shifted the momentum of the game to help the visitors reach at least a modest total after a dismal start. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy also played a 19 not out off 11 cameo.