Rohit Sharma is all set to make his comeback in the ODI series against Australia which will be starting from October 19. According to a report by RevSportz, the 38-year-old veteran was quietly logging in hours at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru when Asia Cup was going on, getting his game in order for the next ODI series against Australia.
As per the report, Rohit came to the CoE on September 16 for his pre-season fitness tests but chose to stay on for a week of hard work. His training sessions were custom-made to prepare him for Australian conditions and tackle their bowling onslaught. The training sessions involved two-hour net practice against tall quick bowlers, which Rohit had specifically asked for. Approximately 10 bowlers and a team of throwdown experts were involved, and on a few days, Rohit conducted two practice sessions every day, usually going on even after the programmed time was over. Even light-weight gym work to regain strength and rhythm was a part of his preparation.
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ODIs have been Rohit’s comfort zone throughout, but this series is more special. It is not just his first outing after guiding India to Champions Trophy glory in the tournament earlier this year, but also his first occasion since 2022 that he plays just as a batter after relinquishing the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, when he spoke to the media last week, did not mention specifically when Rohit was told about the captaincy switch. But sources indicate he was told “some time ago,” perhaps immediately after the England Test series ended in early August meaning that Rohit was already aware of the change in leadership as he trained in Bengaluru.
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The Australia series on the horizon, in turn, is being seen as a make-or-break assignment for the senior opener. According to a PTI report, Rohit does not presently figure in India’s long-term plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup to be held in South Africa. Both Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir are said to be doubtful about his capacity to sustain consistency and fitness for the next two years, while others in the BCCI feel that his batting contribution might reduce after a seven-month break.
However, Rohit’s commitment at the CoE contradicts this version. His hard work is a telltale sign of a player eager to silence his detractors. As the RevSportz report well put it, “If what the CoE witnessed in September is any guide, India’s former captain isn’t about to exit stage left just yet.”
