Rohit Sharma Focuses Solely on ODIs: India National Cricket Team captain Rohit Sharma has entered a new phase of his career. He is now focusing only on One-Day Internationals, after stepping away from T20Is last year following India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 win and finishing his Test cricket stint earlier this year.
The Hitman has always been praised for his fitness, and despite being constantly under the spotlight, he has scored plenty of runs and played a key role in India’s successes. With his attention now fully on ODIs, Rohit Sharma’s fitness is getting even more focus than before.
Rohit Sharma Sheds 10 Kilograms for Australia Tour
To silence critics and prepare for his comeback, Rohit Sharma has been working hard on his fitness. He is training with India’s former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, and the results have been impressive. The 38-year-old has lost over 10 kilograms in the past two months, working intensely to get in top shape for India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia next month. Abhishek Nayar even shared a picture from a gym session with Rohit Sharma, revealing the transformation.
Rohit Sharma has also cleared the Bronco Test and scored an impressive 19.4 in the Yo-Yo test at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Originally, he was set to return against Bangladesh along with Virat Kohli, but with that series postponed to next year, the focus is now on the Australia tour, which will feature three ODIs and three T20Is in October.
Abhishek Sharma Could Challenge Rohit’s ODI Spot
India’s upcoming ODI series in Australia is its first 50-over action since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who now focus only on ODIs, are expected to return.
Read More
Adding more intrigue, Abhishek Sharma is set to make his ODI debut in Australia. With 27 ODIs before the ICC World Cup 2017, India is exploring new combinations at the top of the order.
Shubman Gill is likely to keep his opener’s spot, but Abhishek’s inclusion raises questions about whether he could partner with Gill, potentially putting Rohit Sharma’s long-term spot under scrutiny. Another factor is Yashasvi Jaiswal. If Abhishek becomes a reserve opener, Jaiswal might miss out in India’s 50-over plans.
India Prepares for Asia Cup and Australia Tour
Currently, India is gearing up for the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Bangladesh. After the Asia Cup, they will host the West Indies in a two-match Test series before traveling to Australia for the white-ball series.
ALSO READ: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes World Record For Most Sixes In Youth ODIs At 14
