Scoring runs, smashing centuries, propelling Indian side to a flying start, give hilarious press conferences and repeat– Rohit Sharma’s career sky-rocketed after being assigned the opener’s role. Moreover, his captaincy stint with Mumbai Indians also helped him reap success in his career. Over the years, Rohit has established himself as one of the most explosive batsmen of the modern era.

The current Indian limited-overs’ vice-captain is now an indispensable part of the national side. 2019 was undoubtedly a memorable year for the right-hander where he delivered an exemplary performance in the World Cup and followed it up by performing against Test series against South Africa. Rohit hit the purple patch in the concluded year as he made 2,442 runs from 47 international innings at an average of 53.08 in 2019.

Along with cementing his spot as a Test opener, Rohit Sharma left no stones unturned in making himself noticed on the international stage. Known for his explosive batting style on the field, he is also known for his hilarious press conferences and media interactions.

Since his breakthrough, there have been many instances where the Mumbai batsman has hogged the headlines by passing a hilarious comment in media interactions or post-match conferences.

Here are five such moments where Rohit Sharma made hilarious comments:

1. ‘Sala mat bolo yaar usko’

Rohit grabbed the headlines after hitting his maiden Test double century against South Africa in the third Test match in Ranchi. After a good day on the field, Rohit left no stones unturned in carrying his stellar form to the press conference. After Day 2, Rohit addressed the press and was his witty best to give a hilarious reply to a journalist.

During the interaction, a journalist had a slip of the tongue while he was lauding the batting of Rohit’ teammate Ajinka Rahahe. “Saala chabuk batting karta hai,” said the journalist to Rohit while talking about Rahane.

Rohit smiled at first and gave a hilarious reply saying, “Don’t call him sala.” Apart from Rohit, Rahane had also performed exceedingly well in the match. He had smashed a magnificent century in the Test to propel India to a massive total. After the hilarious reply, Rohit also heaped praise on Rahane and said that he has been there for the team whenever the Indian side has been in a difficult position.

2. ‘Next time I’ll check where the camera is’

Rohit Sharma hit the headlines again after the second T20I against Bangladesh at Rajkot in 2019. Rohit was the stand-in captain for that match and he was furious over an incident that happened in the 13th over of the encounter.

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was successful in stumping Soumya Sarkar off Yuzvendra Chahal‘s bowling. Post the stumping, the on-field umpires referred the third umpire for giving the correct decision. However, despite the third umpire giving Sarkar out, the giant screen read– ‘Not Out’.

Due to this glitch, Rohit was left furious on the field and he was also spotted swearing. During the post-match conference, journalists asked the explosive opener about the incident and his rage and swearing. Rohit responded by saying, “Ultimately the aim is to get the job done, and sometimes we display a lot of emotions. Next time I’ll check where the camera is.” His cheeky reply was enough to leave everyone present in the room in splits.

3. ‘If I ever become Pakistan’s coach’

Rohit Sharma was probably in the form of his life during the 2019 World Cup. The right-hander carried his run-scoring spree and etched his name into the record books by hitting the most number of centuries in the marquee event. Apart from his run-scoring moniker, Rohit grabbed the limelight because of his quirky replies in the post-match conferences.

India trounced Pakistan in their key World Cup clash at Old Trafford, Manchester on June 16. Rohit played a pivotal role as he smashed a brilliant 140-run knock to help India post a massive total on the board. The Men in Green failed to hunt down the target and Rohit emerged as the chief force behind India’s triumph.

Post the match, Rohit was asked a tricky question as he was asked that what would he suggest Pakistan batsmen to come out of the crisis. Rohit had a witty reply under his sleeve as he said, “If I ever become Pakistan’s coach, I will definitely let you know. What can I say right now”.

4. ‘Don’t ask me anything from before 2013’

Rohit Sharma continued his never-ending run out affair with Virat Kohli in 2018 as he was involved in the Indian skipper getting run out. The incident happened in India vs South Africa ODI at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth. What followed was another run-out and it was Ajinka Rahane this time. Rohit was involved in another run-out incident before amassing his ton.

India won the match comfortably as the Proteas could only amass 201 runs on the board while chasing 275. Rohit continued his trend of witty lines in the post-match conference as he left the media in splits with his responses.

Rohit said that he was not in the mood to celebrate as Kohli and Rahane were run out before he reached his ton. Rohit didn’t stop there and went on further to say about his transition in cricket since 2013 – “Since 2013, I have started to open the innings. So, don’t take into consideration whatever had happened before 2013 and ask me questions (about what has happened) since then.”

5. ‘Birthday me kya bolte hai’

Rohit made sure that he hogged the limelight with his witty comments yet again in the 2019 World Cup. After he scored a record-breaking fifth century in the mega-event in the match against Sri Lanka, Rohit left everyone in the post-match conference too.

A journalist asked him about MS Dhoni’s birthday which was a day after the press conference. The journalist asked Rohit to speak a few words about Dhoni on the eve of the veteran’s 38th birthday.

Rohit, being at his witty best, responded by saying, “What do you tell someone on their birthday? Happy birthday only right?” The whole room along with Rohit burst into laughter after hearing the Indian opener’s hilarious response to the question. Rohit also added that the team would be cutting cake on Dhoni’s birthday and we will send you photos of the celebration.