Rohit Sharma made remarkable transformation as he apparently lost 8 kilos and is looking leaner than ever perhaps the best he has looked in his career. His presence at the CEAT Awards left his fans amazed, creating further excitement. If this version of Rohit appears in Australia, those retirement rumor-mill speculations might just be put to rest forever.
Aged 38 now, Rohit is no longer a member of India’s Test team and has witnessed the passing of the baton of captaincy. But he hasn’t finished yet. He travels to Australia with an axe to grind—to Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI selectors to prove that there’s still much left in his tank. Often, it’s the most bruised who battle hardest and Rohit appears set to do just that.
Among those who have been impressed with Rohit’s fresh zeal is ex-India all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar, who drew parallel with Rohit’s revival story in 2012. Having been omitted from India’s 2011 World Cup team for patchy performances and injury, Rohit transformed his disappointment into motivation. Just two years down the line, during the 2013 Champions Trophy, MS Dhoni, who had once snubbed him, gave Rohit a new job of opening. That risk paid off and proved to be a turning point for Rohit’s career.
“The last time Rohit Sharma followed such a strict fitness regimen was after he missed out on the 2011 World Cup. That exclusion left a deep wound in his heart, and I think we’re seeing a similar level of determination from him now. From 2012 to 2024, he’s had a wonderful and successful career, but being called out for his fitness has clearly stayed with him, and he has worked hard to address it,” Bangar said on the Jio Hotstar’s Amul Cricket Live show.
Bangar also feels the same intensity in the seasoned player ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series beginning Sunday in Perth. Statistically, Rohit has been a terror against Australia in ODIs with 2407 runs in 46 matches at a strike rate of 57.31 with eight centuries. His Australian record is no less impressive either: 1328 runs in 30 innings at a strike rate of 53.12 with five centuries.
“It’s visible in his preparation and his mindset. It’s great to see Rohit Sharma hungry and fit once again. As a captain, you don’t always have the luxury of fielding inside the 30-yard circle; sometimes you need to patrol the outfield, dive around, and contribute as a fielder too. Rohit seems to be preparing himself completely for that challenge, and that’s a very positive sign,” added Bangar.
The last time Rohit wore the India jersey, he guided his side to victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final with a classy 76. As he touches down on Australian soil for the second time, another vintage Rohit display could well resuscitate his white-ball career and silence the doubters once and for all.
