Rohit Sharma was doing Rohit Sharma things on a balmy December afternoon, turning the Sawai Mansingh Stadium into his personal stage.

The swivel pull came out at will, the effortless lofted sixes sailed straight down the ground, and even the pacers from Sikkim were swept aside with casual authority. For Rohit Sharma’s admirers in the Pink City, it was the perfect Christmas Eve gift.

On a working day, more than 20,000 spectators decided there was no better place to be than inside the stadium — and entry was free. By the time Rohit settled in, it was clear the afternoon was not just about runs, but about spectacle.

A concert, not a contest for Rohit Sharma

Rohit’s 37th List A hundred — a majestic 155 off 93 balls — was as much about entertainment as it was about excellence. It felt less like a cricket match and more like a concert, with fans watching their favorite performer roll out one hit after another.

There was no talk of selection mandates, no need to prove a point to the national selectors, and certainly no concern about any head coach’s views on “star culture”. This day belonged entirely to the hero and his audience.

By the time Rohit walked off, 18 fours and nine sixes had more than satisfied the appetite of a crowd that had shown up in droves. From as early as 9 am, all roads led to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium — a rare sight on a weekday morning. When 80 per cent of a stadium fills up on a working day, it underlines why stars remain inseparable from Indian cricket.

People skipped office, students bunked college, and even employees of the Rajasthan Sports Council — who enjoyed a prime view from their balconies — refused to miss out.

As the chants of “Mumbai chaa Rajaa Rohit Sharma” echoed across the stands, fans caught glimpses of their idol warming up. When word spread that Mumbai would field first, some spectators briefly exited the stadium, hoping Sikkim would post enough runs to ensure a long Rohit innings.

Others were more vocal, directing chants of “Gambhir kidhar hai, dekh raha hai na?” towards the stands — possibly even at national selector RP Singh, stationed near the boundary.

Rohit Sharma merely raised his hand in acknowledgement.

Once Sikkim posted a competitive 236 for seven, the atmosphere transformed. Three stands were packed, with only the section above the dressing room closed for security. Some fans even perched precariously atop the Sports Council building, risking sore joints just to catch a glimpse of their star.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s presence barely registered — every dot ball he played was booed. But the moment Rohit unfurled his first swivel pull off Kranthi Kumar, the decibel levels soared.

Truth be told, Sikkim’s attack — comprising Kranthi Kumar, Palzor and left-arm spinner Gurinder — looked overwhelmed. There were too many half-trackers, and even a seamer wasn’t spared as Rohit went down on one knee to sweep Palzor behind square.

Two catches were dropped, but the crowd didn’t mind. Rohit knew the quality of the attack, racing to a 62-ball hundred and a 91-ball 150, each milestone acknowledged with a brief bat raise.

Eventually, a wide delivery from Kranthi Kumar took the edge of Rohit’s bat. It was a tired shot, but by then, the day had delivered more than enough magic. Fans began filtering out, content with what they had witnessed.

As the Hitman carnival drew to a close, one final chant ran through the stadium: “Dal Baati Choorma, Rohit Sharma Soorma.”

The Soorma returns for another show on Friday and it promises to be yet another houseful.