How fitness criticism could have sparked Rohit Sharma’s resurgence, reveals former India coach

Rohit Sharma is pumped for the Australia series says Sanjay Bangar. (Photo: X)

Less than two months have passed since Rohit Sharma returned from Italy, but his before-and-after photos haven't stopped appearing online. He's shed a significant amount of weight—eight kilograms, to be exact—and looks to be in one of his best physical states. His makeover at the CEAT Awards won over fans, and if this Rohit shows up in Australia, you can put an end to the retirement rumors.

To show that he still has it and to send a message to Ajit Agarkar and the other members of the BCCI selection committee, Rohit is traveling to Australia, even at the age of 38, and even though he may have been stripped of his captaincy and retired from Test cricket.

Everyone has been impressed by Rohit's amazing fitness, including Sanjay Bangar, who has provided some insight into this change. After being dropped from India's 2011 World Cup selection, Rohit attempted something similar in 2012. The former all-rounder and batting coach believes that Rohit's tenacity reminds him of that year.

Despite being left out of the 15-man squad that won the World Cup in Mumbai on April 2, 2011, due to his form and injuries, Rohit took inspiration from it and turned things around in a big way in 2013.  Rohit was elevated to open in the 2013 Champions Trophy by the same Dhoni who dropped him from the World Cup team, and the rest is history. Bangar anticipates Rohit will be just as dedicated when the three-match ODI series begins in Perth this Sunday.

"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 Amul Cricket Live show.

With 2407 runs from 46 games at an average of 57.31, including eight hundreds, Rohit has a stellar ODI record versus the Australians.  When batting in Australia, his figures are even more remarkable: 1328 runs from 30 innings, with five hundreds and an average of 53.12.

With a spectacular 76 in the final against New Zealand, Rohit helped India win the Champions Trophy the last time he played for the country. And the former India skipper can give his career a new lease on life if he can dig deep and replicate his heroics in Australia.

"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.