Team India batsman Rohit Sharma is going to Australia with a determination to prove himself in the upcoming three-match ODI series against the host team. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar said that Rohit has shown a change in fitness, which is comparable to his exit from the 2011 World Cup.
The 38-year-old was removed as India’s ODI captain ahead of the upcoming series in Australia. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee appointed Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain. Gill had earlier taken over the post of Test captain from Rohit ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar 2025 series against England.
Boycott left a deep wound in his heart – Sanjay Bangar
Sanjay Bangar said Rohit Sharma adopted a strict fitness regimen after being left out of India’s 2011 World Cup squad. He said that despite a successful career from 2012 to 2024, the boycott has left a lasting impact on Rohit and described it as a “deep wound in his heart”.
“The last time Rohit Sharma followed such a strict fitness regimen was when he missed the 2011 World Cup,” Bangar said on Amul Cricket Live show.
He added, “That exclusion left a deep wound in his heart, and I think we are seeing a similar level of determination in him now. From 2012 to 2024, he has had a brilliant and successful career, but being called out for his fitness has clearly been with him, and he has worked hard to address it.”
It’s great to see Rohit Sharma hungry and fit – Sanjay Bangar
Sanjay Bangar said that Rohit Sharma is fully prepared to meet all the demands of the game. Bangar said that Rohit cannot always be kept inside the 30-yard circle and he will have to contribute as a fielder.
Bangar further said, “It is visible in his preparation and his mindset. It is 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 as well. It looks like Rohit is preparing himself perfectly for that challenge, and that’s a very positive sign,” he said.
Rohit Sharma last played for Team India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Rohit Sharma has undergone a remarkable physical transformation since returning from Italy less than two months ago. He has lost eight kilos and looks fitter than ever. The 38-year-old had already retired from Test and T20 Internationals.
Rohit was dropped from India’s 2011 World Cup squad due to lack of form and injury. MS Dhoni later promoted him to open in the Champions Trophy, a move that marked the beginning of his successful limited overs career.
Rohit’s ODI record against Australia is excellent, he has scored 2,407 runs in 46 matches at an average of 57.31, which includes eight centuries. On Australian soil, he has scored 1,328 runs in 30 innings at an average of 53.12 and five centuries.
The right-handed batsman last played for India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He won the trophy for the team by playing an important inning of 76 runs in the final against New Zealand.
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