Rohit Sharma, India’s ODI captain, is celebrated today as one of the most destructive opening batters in white-ball cricket. His effortless stroke play, record-breaking double centuries, and ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks have cemented his place among the modern greats. But few know that Rohit’s cricketing journey began on a completely different note — not as a batter, but as a bowler.

His childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, recently opened up about the lesser-known early days of Rohit’s career. Lad recalled first spotting Rohit in 1999, during a match against his team, when the 12-year-old was making waves with the ball. Impressed, Lad approached Rohit’s uncle, urging him to admit the youngster to his school, which had started in 1995.

“At that time, I saw him purely as a bowler,” Dinesh Lad revealed in a podcast. “He joined in under-14 cricket and I made him bowl regularly. I didn’t even think about testing his batting.” It was only by chance that Lad discovered Rohit’s batting talent — a twist of fate that would change Indian cricket forever.

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One day, walking past the nets, Lad noticed a young boy playing a series of straight, crisp drives. Curious, he stepped closer, only to realize it was Rohit. “I asked him if he was batting, and he said yes, sir. That day, I gave him a chance at number six or seven. Before that, I had never given him a single batting practice. That was my mistake,” Dinesh Lad admitted.

Rohit’s first batting opportunity made an instant impression. Despite coming in low in the order, he scored a fluent 40 runs in a losing cause. His timing, balance, and composure stood out. Recognising his potential, Lad began giving him more opportunities at the top during practice, eventually promoting him to the second and third positions in nets.

“The way he was batting, I knew this boy had something special,” Dinesh Lad said. “I advised him to focus on batting while continuing to bowl.”

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That piece of advice became a defining moment in Rohit’s career. From a young bowler in Mumbai’s cricketing circles, he transformed into a batting powerhouse, eventually becoming the backbone of India’s limited-overs setup and one of the most feared openers in the game.

Looking back, Rohit’s journey is a testament to how hidden talent sometimes needs just one moment of recognition — and how the right guidance at the right time can turn a promising youngster into a world cricket legend.