‘A deep wound in his heart’: Rohit Sharma looks to bounce back in India vs Australia ODI series after ‘being called out’
New Delhi: Rohit Sharma’s transformation pictures have taken social media by storm. India’s opener has shed around eight kilos and looks fitter than ever, possibly in the best shape of his career.
His lean look at the CEAT Awards grabbed everyone’s attention, and if this version of Rohit shows up in Australia, the retirement rumours will gradually fade away. Rohit will leave for Australia with a purpose, to prove his worth and make a strong statement to Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI selectors. At 38, with his Test career over and captaincy gone, Rohit seems driven. After all, a wounded and cornered beast is often the most dangerous.
Rohit Sharma has lost around 8 kilos
Rohit’s remarkable fitness has impressed everyone, including Sanjay Bangar, who has commented on the transformation. The former India all-rounder and batting coach believes Rohit’s determination shows his 2012 comeback, after being left out of India’s 2011 World Cup squad. Back then, injuries and a dip in form saw MS Dhoni and Gary Kirsten exclude him from the 15-player squad that eventually lifted the World Cup in Mumbai on April 2, 2011.
Motivated by the setback, Rohit made a stunning comeback in 2013. The same Dhoni who had dropped him then gave him the opening slot in the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the rest is history. Bangar expects Rohit to display the same drive when the three-match ODI series begins in Perth this Sunday.
Bangar believes Rohit’s determination shows his 2012 comeback
“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.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI stat against Australia
Rohit boasts an outstanding ODI record against Australia, as he scored 2407 runs in 46 matches at an average of 57.31, which includes eight centuries. His performance in Australia is equally remarkable, with 1,328 runs from 30 innings at an average of 53.12, which includes five centuries.
Rohit played his last ODI match in Champions Trophy where he led the team to victory, scoring a crucial 76 in the final against New Zealand. If he can replicate such heroics Down Under, the former India captain could give a fresh boost to his career.
“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.
Story Highlight
- Rohit Sharma’s transformation pictures have taken social media by storm as he lost around eight kilos and looks fitter than ever, possibly in the best shape of his career.
- Rohit will leave for Australia with a purpose, to prove his worth and make a strong statement to Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI selectors.
- Sanjay Bangar believes Rohit’s determination shows his 2012 comeback, after being left out of India’s 2011 World Cup squad.
- Rohit made a stunning comeback in 2013, Bangar expects Rohit to display the same drive when the three-match ODI series begins in Perth this Sunday.
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