New Delhi: Senior Indian batsman Rohit Sharma is set to return to the field in ODI cricket. The three-match ODI series against Australia begins in Perth on Sunday. This time, the discussion isn’t just about Rohit’s batting, but also about his new look and fitness. The 38-year-old was recently removed from the captaincy of the 50-over format, but he has returned to the team with a new look.
Rohit Sharma’s Fitness and New Look
Rohit Sharma has worked extensively on his fitness and now appears sharper and more athletic than before. Former assistant coach and close friend Abhishek Nayar revealed that this transformation came after social media raised concerns about his weight. Nayar said, “After some airport pictures circulated, people started questioning his fitness, which motivated him to become healthier, quicker, and stronger.”
Practice Sessions and Strategy
The Indian team conducted its first practice session in Perth on Thursday ahead of the Australia tour. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were spotted batting together in the nets, showcasing their form. During the session, Rohit also engaged in an extended discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir. According to Abhishek Nayar, despite stepping down from the captaincy, Rohit’s approach to the game remains unchanged, ensuring he continues to be a dependable asset for the team.
Lean. Mean. Run-scoring machine #AbhishekNayar talks about how Hitman, @ImRo45, used 12 weeks of intense training to make a difference and become a fitter version of himself
#AUSvIND 1st ODI | SUN, 19th OCT, 8 AM! pic.twitter.com/dTijpgw6zJ
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 17, 2025
Team India’s Preparations
The Indian squad for the ODI series against Australia includes Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Story Highlights
- Rohit Sharma is returning to the ODI squad against Australia.
- Rohit focused on his fitness after questions were raised on social media.
- Rohit and Kohli batted together during a practice session in Perth.
- Abhishek Nayar says that whether he is captain or not, Rohit will always remain dedicated to the team.
