Mumbai, October 8, 2025 – A video of Rohit Sharma erupting into laughter at a mimicry artist's impression of MS Dhoni has gone viral, capturing a light-hearted moment at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards held in Mumbai on Tuesday night. The 38-year-old cricketer, accompanied by his wife Ritika Sajdeh, couldn't contain his amusement as the artist, Shaarang Shringarpure, flawlessly imitated Dhoni's familiar voice and mannerisms.
The incident occurred during the 27th edition of the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards, an event that recognizes excellence in cricket. Sharma, who was honored with a special award presented by Sunil Gavaskar, made his first public appearance since being replaced as India's ODI captain. Despite the recent leadership transition, where Shubman Gill took over as ODI captain, Sharma appeared relaxed and determined.
As Shringarpure launched into his Dhoni impression, Sharma burst into uncontrollable laughter, turning to share the moment with his wife, Ritika, who also reacted with amusement and disbelief. The couple's genuine and infectious reactions quickly spread across social media platforms, with fans praising both the artist's accuracy and Sharma's unfiltered response.
Shaarang Shringarpure is known for his talent in mimicking cricketers and commentators. His impressions of other personalities, including Danny Morrison and Ricky Ponting, were also part of the performance. However, it was his spot-on imitation of Dhoni, Sharma's former captain and long-time teammate, that stole the show. Sharma played under Dhoni's captaincy for many years, and the two share a close friendship. In fact, it was Dhoni who suggested that Sharma try opening during the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, a decision that significantly shaped his career.
The viral video also captured the sweet chemistry between Sharma and his wife, Ritika. Fans were delighted to see their affectionate chats and playful smiles throughout the evening. The couple's interactions served as a heartwarming reminder of the support system behind the cricketer.
Despite the jovial atmosphere, the awards ceremony also provided a platform for Sharma to reflect on India's journey from the 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat to their subsequent ICC title wins in 2024 and 2025. He credited former head coach Rahul Dravid and the team's collective belief for the turnaround. Sharma emphasized the importance of mindset and unity in achieving success, stating that it required everyone's commitment.
Sharma also addressed the upcoming ODI series against Australia, where he will play alongside Virat Kohli under the new captaincy of Shubman Gill. He expressed his love for playing against Australia and his understanding of the challenges that come with touring the country.
The moment of levity at the CEAT Awards provided a contrast to the serious discussions surrounding Sharma's recent ODI captaincy removal and the team's future. Despite the change in leadership, Sharma's presence in the squad and his enthusiasm for the game remain strong. His laughter, shared with his wife, served as a reminder of the human side of these sporting icons, connecting with fans on a personal level.
