ODI World Cup 2023: Sight of 'Tiger Shoaib' startles India skipper Rohit Sharma during his surprise visit in Pune

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma made a surprise appearance at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium during the Bangladesh team's training session today, and it left fans buzzing with excitement. While many had speculated that Rohit would opt for a rest day, he arrived at the venue in his beautiful blue Lamborghini, catching everyone off guard.

The Bangladeshi players were in the midst of their training when Rohit's arrival surprised the fans, who eagerly gathered around the cricketing star. What stood out, though, was Rohit's heartwarming interaction with Shoaib Ali, Bangladesh's superfan, fondly known as 'Tiger Shoaib.' As Rohit rolled down his car window, he greeted Shoaib casually.

Captain Rohit Sharma arrived for the practice session at MCA stadium, Pune. pic.twitter.com/SXlGcUtCu9

— MI Fans Army™ (@MIFansArmy) October 17, 2023

"Arey tu yaha agaya (Hey, you're here!)," Rohit surprisingly asked Shoaib. 

Shoaib, overwhelmed by the gesture, shared, "I was waiting along with some other Bangladeshi fans outside the main gate of the stadium as the team was training inside the ground. Suddenly I spotted a blue car with Rohit Sharma in the driving seat. I shouted his name. The next moment, Rohit stopped his car and spoke to me. This is why he is a big player, he is a very down-to-earth person," Shoaib said as quoted by The Daily Star with tears in his eyes. 

Rohit Sharma-led India will look to extend their winning streak against Bangladesh

Skipper Rohit Sharma's early arrival hints at his dedication as he gears up for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 clash with Bangladesh on Thursday, October 19. Team India are riding high on confidence, having secured an undefeated streak in the tournament, including a remarkable victory against arch-rivals Pakistan. Rohit's blistering 86 off 63 balls in the Pakistan match, following his sensational 131 against Afghanistan, has left fans anticipating another century from the seasoned opener. He scored five centuries in the last edition of the ODI World Cup and fans would be hoping to see him break the previous record.

With seven centuries in the ODI World Cup matches already under his belt, Rohit Sharma's commitment to training only underscores his determination to secure another victory while on the other hand, Bangladesh faces the challenge of recovering from consecutive defeats against England and New Zealand after defeating Afghanistan comfortably in their opener of the event.