A recent interaction between Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma and the paparazzi at Mumbai airport has gone viral, showcasing a lighthearted exchange between the cricketer and the media. The incident occurred as Sharma was making his way to his car after returning from Bengaluru, where he underwent pre-season fitness assessments at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE).

Sharma, dressed in a casual black t-shirt and joggers, spotted the paparazzi and playfully quipped, "Tum log bahut bade log ho bhai. Koi hath nahi laga sakta," which translates to, "You guys are very big. Nobody can touch you". This comment, delivered with a smile, reflects a good-natured acknowledgement of the paparazzi's influence and reach. The video of this interaction was subsequently shared on Instagram by photojournalist Manav Manglani, quickly gaining traction and widespread attention.

This isn't the first time Sharma has been caught on camera interacting with the paparazzi. In March 2025, a video went viral showing him shielding his daughter, Samaira, from the cameras at the Mumbai airport. On that occasion, Sharma appeared visibly upset with the photographers, repeatedly asking, "Kya kar rahe ho?" ("What are you doing?") as his daughter seemed uncomfortable with the attention. He ensured her safety and comfort before briefly posing for the cameras.

Sharma's recent visit to the BCCI's COE in Bengaluru was part of a mandatory pre-season fitness test for Indian cricketers. Along with Sharma, players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah also underwent tests, including a Yo-Yo Test, Dexa Scan, and blood tests. These assessments help the COE identify areas where players need to improve their fitness and conditioning.

The 38-year-old Sharma's fitness is crucial as he now focuses solely on One Day Internationals (ODIs). He retired from T20Is after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and from Test cricket in May 2025. Since his Test retirement, Sharma has spoken about the mental and physical challenges of the format, emphasizing the importance of preparation and the role of domestic cricket in building resilience.

Currently, Sharma is preparing for India's upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, scheduled to begin in Perth on October 19. Despite having retired from T20Is and Tests, he remains a key figure in India's ODI squad, with over 11,000 runs in 273 matches at an average of 48.76, including 32 centuries. He holds the record for the highest individual ODI score (264) and is the only player to have scored three double centuries in the format.

Meanwhile, discussions continue about the future of Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ODI format. Former India Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara believes that both players are experienced enough to know when to step away from the 50-over format, highlighting their remarkable career records and understanding of the commitment required to play international cricket.