Cricket

Rohit Sharma reveals the homemade snack that helped him cope with Test match nerves

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 19, 2026, 15:56 IST

Former India captain Rohit Sharma has shared how his mother's homemade banana wafers served as his go-to comfort food during the sleepless nights he experienced while preparing for Test matches throughout his career.

Rohit Sharma reveals the homemade snack that helped him cope with Test match nerves

Former India captain Rohit Sharma has offered a rare glimpse into the mental challenges of international cricket, revealing the specific comfort food he relied on to manage the pressure of Test match duty. During his tenure as a mainstay of the Indian batting lineup, the intensity of the longest format often left him restless, leading to sleepless nights that required a familiar taste of home.

Speaking on his television show, 'Family Full House with Rohit Sharma', the veteran batter admitted that he frequently struggled to switch off after a day's play. He noted that the unique demands of Test cricket created a sense of nervousness that made it difficult for him to get a full night's rest, prompting him to seek out a midnight snack to settle his nerves.

A mother's touch during high-pressure series

The comfort food of choice for the former opener was banana wafers, specifically prepared by his mother. Unlike standard store-bought snacks, these were crafted with a personal touch that made them a staple in his travel kit throughout his career. Rohit explained that his mother would bake the wafers rather than fry them, providing a healthier alternative that he could keep on hand during long tours.

Reflecting on his experiences, Rohit emphasized that his dedication to the format was the primary driver of his anxiety. He described Test cricket as a challenging discipline that required constant mental engagement, noting that he would often remain awake throughout the night during matches. Having his mother's homemade snack readily available provided him with a necessary sense of comfort during those quiet, high-pressure hours.

Reflecting on a distinguished Test career

Rohit concluded his Test career last year, leaving behind a significant statistical legacy. Over the course of 67 Test matches played between 2013 and 2024, he accumulated 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57. His record includes 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 212. While his professional achievements are well-documented, these personal insights highlight the human side of the pressures faced by elite athletes at the highest level of the game.