‘That fire is still burning’: Dinesh Karthik backs revitalised Rohit Sharma to make big impact in Australia

‘That fire is still burning’: Dinesh Karthik backs revitalised Rohit Sharma to make big impact in Australia (Photo- BCCI and X)

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik believes Rohit Sharma will make a comeback with a newfound appetite and a point to prove in the upcoming ODI series against Australia later this month.

Karthik talked about Rohit's journey over the previous year on Cricbuzz, from the heartache of losing to Australia in the Ahmedabad ODI World Cup final in 2023 to the victory of leading India to the T20 World Cup in 2024. He believes the former captain is still focused on winning that elusive championship and has unresolved business in the 50-over format.

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“I think from the moment he lost that 2023 World Cup final, his dream was to be a captain of a team that wins a World Cup — which he achieved in 2024 in the Caribbean,” Karthik said. “That fire is still burning, and he wants to win the 50-over World Cup.”

Rohit will make his first appearance since winning the Champions Trophy in the forthcoming ODI series against Australia, and for the first time in many years, he will only be used as a batter. Shubman Gill will captain the team, it was announced during the squad release. This marks a change in leadership and raises concerns about both Rohit and Virat Kohli's long-term prospects in the 50-over game.

Karthik, however, believes that Rohit's contributions to the team go well beyond his leadership. He thinks that India may benefit greatly from having a new, focused Rohit at the top of the order, especially given his unselfish, aggressive style that has revolutionized his game in recent years.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Rohit Sharma the batter,” Karthik said. “When he is in form, he’s absolutely poetry in motion — especially in the powerplay, when he takes on bowlers fearlessly and sets up a solid platform for the rest of the innings.”

One of the most memorable aspects of the 2023 World Cup was Rohit's batting performance. The opener took charge at the top of the order by adopting a strong, attacking style that deviated from his customarily cautious starts. He frequently established the tone for India's innings, giving the middle order more leeway to play. His strategy was well praised as India dominated the competition, winning 10 straight games until losing in the final.

Fans and former players alike praised Rohit's selflessness and intent, despite the team's failure to win the World Cup title. Karthik, who shared the dressing room with Rohit for many years, feels that this change in perspective has made him a more complete batter.

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“Rohit has evolved beautifully,” Karthik observed. “He’s not just playing for milestones anymore — he’s setting the tone for the team. That kind of selfless intent has been refreshing to see. Even in that World Cup final, the way he batted up front showed what he brings to Indian cricket.”

In addition to his batting, Karthik cited Rohit's renewed emphasis on physical training as a major contributor to his recovery. The 37-year-old has reportedly committed himself to increasing his fitness and recuperation after taking a lengthy hiatus from international cricket following the Champions Trophy.

“I have no doubt that Rohit Sharma, the batter, will be extremely valuable,” Karthik said. “It’s going to be a World Cup in South Africa in 2027 — yes, it’s a long way away, but if he puts his mind to it, which he has, and continues working on his fitness, he’ll be ready. He’s going to come back after a bit of a break — something he probably hasn’t had in his career — and that will make him fresh and hungry again.”

Thus, Rohit Sharma's forthcoming series against Australia is more than merely his comeback to action. It's an opportunity to reassert his batting prowess, find his groove again, and possibly start one last run for ODI glory. The drive to pursue the final goal, a 50-over World Cup as a player, could inspire a player who has already accomplished almost everything in the game to perform at his peak once more.

According to Karthik, the cricket community would be excited to see "Rohit Sharma the batter" return to form and be prepared to show everyone why he is still one of the game's most graceful and destructive openers.