Indisputably, a few moments could be extrapolated from this whole episode when Rohit Sharma, the ex-captain of the Indian cricket team, seemed invisible, and he thus surprised everyone by appearing at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. The situation made him share the Indian women’s cricket team’s joy of winning the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 against South Africa.

Fans erupt as Rohit Sharma cheers for India in Women’s World Cup final

He was the one who opened the innings for the longest format of the game, and he did that very well. However, after the shock of his surprise visit, he was seen sitting quite quietly and calm in the corporate box, watching the thrilling match that was going on in front of him. Fans and dignitaries were there to welcome him and accompany him, and he had a lot of fun during the whole event. The crowd went wild in their support and acclaim of the player whom they adore, and they could hardly contain their excitement shouting “Rohit! Rohit!” Thus, the euphoric atmosphere was further intensified because of the historic evening of the match. After a very recent development where Rohit has decided to relinquish the responsibility, his presence can be considered as a kind gesture towards the women cricketers to uplift their spirits on such a big occasion.

India’s dominant start led by Shafali and Smriti

Smriti Mandhana 022911985 16x9 0

India got off to an ideal start after losing the toss and being put in to bat. The opening duo of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana went on to build a solid 104-run stand, much to the delight of the packed home crowd.

After a short break due to injury, Shafali came back strongly and was simply spectacular with her 87 off 78 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. Not only did the 21-year-old record her highest ODI score, but she also became the youngest player ever to score a fifty in a Women's World Cup final.

Mandhana, always elegant, contributed a smooth 45 and looked India’s best player in the powerplay when she was dismissed in the 25th over. At the time of Rohit’s first camera appearance, India were going great guns at 161/1 in the 26th over. Jemimah Rodrigues, who was batting with Shafali, came in to keep the drive going.

But the South African team did not give up easily as they came up with a strong recovery plan through the bowlers Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba. Both of them got significant wickets to slow down India’s aggressive innings, which made the locals end up at 229/4 by the 40th over.