“A deep wound in his heart”

Team India Batter Rohit Sharma He heads to Australia determined to prove himself in the upcoming three-match ODI series against the hosts. Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar He said Rohit has shown a transformation in fitness, and compared it to his exclusion from the 2011 World Cup.

The 38-year-old has been removed as India’s ODI captain ahead of the upcoming series in Australia. Led selection committee Ajit Agarkarnamed Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain. Gill had previously taken over from Rohit as Test captain ahead of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar series against England.

The exclusion left a deep wound in his heart – Sanjay Bangar

Sanjay Bangar said that Rohit Sharma adopted a strict fitness regime after he was excluded from India’s squad for the 2011 World Cup. He stated that the exclusion left a lasting impact on Rohit, describing it as a “deep wound in his heart”, despite his successful career from 2012 to 2024.

“The last time Rohit Sharma followed such a strict fitness regime was after he missed the 2011 World Cup,” Bangar said on Amul Cricket Live.

He added, “This exclusion left a deep wound in his heart, and I think we see a similar level of determination from him now. From 2012 to 2024, he had a wonderful and successful career, but it is clear that being called up due to his fitness stayed with him, and he worked hard to address that.”

Great to see Rohit Sharma hungry and fit – Sanjay Bangar

Sanjay Bangar said that Rohit Sharma is fully prepared to meet all the requirements of the game. Bangar stated that Rohit may not always be positioned inside the 30-yard circle and will need to contribute as a player.

“It is evident in his preparation and mentality. It is great to see Rohit Sharma hungry and fit again,” Bangar continued.

“As a captain, you don’t always have the luxury of playing inside the 30-yard circle; sometimes you need to be patrolling the field, diving, and contributing as a player as well. Rohit seems to be fully preparing himself for this challenge, which is a very positive sign.”

Rohit Sharma last played for Team India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

Rohit Sharma has made a remarkable physical transformation since his return from Italy less than two months ago. He has lost eight kilograms and looks fitter than ever. The 38-year-old had already retired from Tests and T20 Internationals.

Rohit was left out of India’s 2011 World Cup squad due to form and injury. MS Dhoni later promoted him to open the Champions Trophy, a move that marked the beginning of his successful limited overs career.

Rohit has an impressive ODI record against Australia, scoring 2,407 runs in 46 matches at an average of 57.31, including eight centuries. On Australian soil, he amassed 1,328 runs in 30 innings at an average of 53.12 with five hundreds.

The right-handed batsman last played for India during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He led the team to the cup with a crucial score of 76 in the final against New Zealand.

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