In a heartwarming and chaotic scene at Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park, former India cricketer and batting coach Abhishek Nayar turned into an impromptu bodyguard for Rohit Sharma, as a massive crowd surged around the former India captain during a public training session. The incident, which unfolded on October 10, 2025, quickly went viral after Nayar was seen pleading with fans to make way, repeatedly saying, “Usko lagna nahi chahiye” (“He shouldn’t get hurt”), while shielding Rohit from the overwhelming crowd.
The moment captured the emotional bond between the two cricketers and the intensity of fan adoration for Rohit, who was recently relieved of ODI captaincy duties and is preparing for the upcoming India vs Australia series starting October 19.
🏏 Shivaji Park Chaos: What Happened
Rohit Sharma was training alongside Abhishek Nayar at Shivaji Park, a venue deeply tied to Mumbai’s cricketing legacy. As word spread of Rohit’s presence, hundreds of fans gathered outside the practice facility, hoping to catch a glimpse of the 38-year-old star. The crowd quickly grew uncontrollable, prompting Nayar to step in and manage the situation.
| Incident Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | October 10, 2025 |
| Location | Shivaji Park, Mumbai |
| Crowd Size Estimate | 500+ fans |
| Rohit’s Role | Training for Australia series |
| Nayar’s Action | Shielded Rohit, pleaded with fans |
| Viral Quote | “Usko lagna nahi chahiye” |
Videos shared on social media show Nayar emerging from the facility with a concerned expression, physically guiding Rohit through the crowd while urging fans to stay calm and respectful.
🧠 Rohit Sharma’s Current Status
Rohit Sharma, who led India to multiple ICC finals and a historic Test series win in Australia, is currently focusing on his fitness and form ahead of the high-stakes home series against Australia. He has been training privately with Nayar, who has long been part of his support system.
| Rohit’s Recent Updates | Status |
|---|---|
| ODI Captaincy | Relieved, Shubman Gill appointed |
| Fitness Level | Leaner, focused on agility |
| Training Partner | Abhishek Nayar |
| Next Series | India vs Australia (starts Oct 19) |
| Venue for 1st T20I | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
🧾 Rohit and Nayar: A Trusted Bond
Abhishek Nayar has been instrumental in Rohit Sharma’s resurgence over the years, especially during his transition to Test cricket. Their partnership extends beyond coaching, with Nayar often acting as a mentor, confidant, and now—bodyguard.
| Role of Abhishek Nayar | Impact on Rohit Sharma |
|---|---|
| Batting Coach (Domestic) | Technical refinement |
| Mental Conditioning Support | Confidence building |
| Training Partner | Match simulation and drills |
| Crisis Manager | Crowd control at Shivaji Park |
🗣️ Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The phrase “Usko lagna nahi chahiye” has become a trending hashtag across platforms, with fans praising Nayar’s loyalty and concern. Memes, tribute videos, and emotional posts flooded X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.
- #UskoLagnaNahiChahiye: Trending across India
- Fan Comments: “True friendship”, “Nayar is Rohit’s wall”, “Mumbai’s own bodyguard”
- Media Coverage: Featured on News18, TOI, Jagran, and multiple sports portals
🧭 Security Concerns and Future Measures
The incident has raised questions about crowd management at public training venues. The Mumbai Cricket Association is reportedly reviewing protocols to ensure player safety during open sessions.
| Concern | Proposed Action |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Crowd | Limit public access during training |
| Player Safety | Deploy security personnel |
| Fan Engagement | Organize meet-and-greet events separately |
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified eyewitness accounts, media reports, and social media footage as of October 11, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute security advice, player endorsement, or official event planning and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
