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Mohit Sharma recalls MS Dhoni started calling him Maria Sharapova because he grunts loudly while bowling.
Mohit Sharma 26 ODIs and 8 T20Is for India between 2013 and 2015. (AFP Photo)
Fast bowler Mohit Sharma’s habit of grunting loudly while bowling resulted in legendary India captain MS Dhoni nicknaming him Maria Sharapova – the former tennis star who won five women’s singles Grand Slam titles between 2006 and 2014.
Sharapova was known for her loud grunts each time playing a shot on the court.
While Mohit cannot control it, he does admit it gives him a psychological edge over batters.
“I’m not sure how it (grunting) came about,” Mohit told ESPNcricinfo. “I try to stop it, but it is what it is. At one point Mahi bhai nicknamed me ‘Maria Sharapova’. I’d say, ‘With the grunt, batsmen will feel the ball will come at 145-150kph even though the ball comes slower, so it is a plus point for me!'”
Mohit played 26 ODIs and eight T20Is between 2013 and 2015 taking a combined 34 wickets. He currently is representing Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025.
At 36 years of age, Mohit is in the twilight of his playing career but he’s not looking to far ahead. “I am not looking at the next two years. I am not a person who thinks long-term because I have learned that when you plan things, sometimes they don’t pan out the way you desired. A year or two is very long. I’m just thinking [ahead to] two days, four days, one week, next match. That’s it,” he said.
On match days, Mohit takes two pieces of paper. He writes down positive thoughts on one and negative on the other before binning the latter. It’s been part of his matchday routine since U-19 days and the habit helps him get clarity on things to focus on.
“I tear up the negative ones. Regardless of the result, I have ensured the work ethic that I have had since my Under-19 days does not change. As long as I’m playing I will continue doing things the way I did when I started,” Mohit said.
“I get clarity on what I should focus on and what I should not focus on,” he added.
