In the IPL 2015 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rohit Sharma was on 98* in the last over of the match. The batsman who was facing, Corey Anderson, could have taken a single and placed Rohit on strike, but Rohit told him, "Don’t think about my century, play for the team" Anderson was able to execute the captain’s instructions and in turn, helped MI win the match instead of allowing self-fulfilling milestones dictate the outcome.

Fast forward to IPL 2025, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer had a familiar situation against Gujarat Titans (GT). Shreyas had a chance to strike while batting with 97* in the last over and Shashank Singh, who was on strike, had the option to take a single. Much like a decade ago, Iyer instructed Shashank to "play for the team, not my century." After the single PBKS went on to win the match. 

2015 IPL : Rohit 98*
In the last over, Rohit told Corey Anderson not to think about my century, play for the team.

2025 IPL : Shreyas 97*
In the last over, Shreyas told Shashank not to think about my century, play for the team.

Shreyas Iyer not only idolize Rohit but is also… pic.twitter.com/S9IMBWAAfB

— Jyran (@Jyran45) March 25, 2025

Also Read: Iyer’s near century steals show in Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 opener

The astounding aspect of every great player is their ability to redefine the social paradigm. To put a greater emphasis, instead of resting easier with the knowledge of their lifetime 100 century record, cricketing legends like Rohit and Shreyas Iyer have an unfaltered commitment on working for the country.