“He was from a middle-class family and I remember he once got emotional when we discussed how his budget for cricket kits was restricted. In fact, he also delivered milk packets—of course that was a long time ago—so that he could buy his kit. Now, when I see him, I feel proud of how our journey started and where we’ve reached,” added Ojha.

Also read: Rohit Sharma: Most proud of our fightback in Delhi

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The former India spinner recalled another incident that helped him strengthen his bond with Rohit. “Till the time Rohit got a chance to play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy we had just known each other. But our friendship grew when we came to a common point. He was a good mimic and I really like people, who can play pranks, and Rohit is among them. We used to feel the pressure at the India U-19 level. So, whenever he saw I was feeling the heat, he’d mimic something there was laughter all around.”

Ojha recalled the duo’s days at DC during IPL 2008: “In 2008, when T20 cricket was alien to many, Rohit made me realise that even in T20s you can be an aggressive bowler and pick wickets in the middle overs. He was thinking like a leader, how to be a step ahead of the rest.”

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