Former Indian coach Abhishek Nair expressed his disappointment during a live broadcast when he saw Rohit Sharma eating some popcorn with Shubman Gill during a rain break during India’s batting innings in Perth.
While India returns to Australia for a three-match ODI series as part of its preparations for the ICC World Cup 2027, where the Indians will be eager to avenge their defeat in the World Cup 2023 final, the Australians will enter as proud champions of their sixth title.
“Hey brother don’t give him popcorn” – Abhishek Nair to Shubman Gill
Indian batsman Rohit Sharma was often criticized for his physical structure and lack of pace or quick running between the wickets. A real fielding gem in his early days, Rohit gradually turned into a fielder restricted to the inner circle due to his lack of fitness.
This had led the Indian selectors to question his availability till the ICC World Cup 2027, as it is very difficult for a cricketer without fitness to survive in international cricket till the age of 40.
Former Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nair lost his cool when he saw Rohit Sharma eating popcorn with captain Shubman Gill during the rain break. He seemed agitated seeing Rohit ruining his months of efforts to lose weight.
Nair urged Gill not to give popcorn to Rohit, saying in the commentary, “Hey brother, don’t let him eat popcorn.”
On Rohit Sharma’s weight loss journey, Nair said, “I think there has been a lot of discussion about weight loss.”
Before the game started, Abhishek Nair, who was a part of Rohit Sharma’s journey during his amazing weight loss period, talked about Rohit Sharma’s transformation.
“I think there has been a lot of discussion about weight loss,” Nair told JioHotstar before the match.
“The early parts were obviously about getting fit, getting lean. I’ve talked about this before. He was the spitting image of me walking out of the airport after his holiday in the UK. So that was something he wanted to change. He wanted to come back.
“Hopefully, the second statement will be the runs he scores with the bat,” Nair said with a ray of hope.
Although Rohit Sharma’s comeback to international cricket did not go as per the batsman’s plan as he was dismissed by Australia’s Josh Hazlewood after scoring just 8 runs off 14 balls, Abhishek Nair has revealed his vision for the 2027 World Cup.
“Obviously the vision was for the 2027 World Cup – to be more fit, stronger, lighter and more agile. And the skill has always been there. Fitness has only enhanced the skill. It has helped him go faster. His agility is the best it has ever been,” Nair said.
“He is excited. He is keen. He knows there is a bit of pressure and the buzz around whether he will be able to reach the 2027 World Cup. The first statement was his weight. Hopefully, the second statement will be the runs he makes with the bat,” Nair is hopeful of Rohit making a statement with the bat the same way he did with his fitness.
Also read: Harshit Rana mocked as ‘goat all-rounder’ for 1 run vs AUS; Fans criticized Gautam Gambhir