Rohit Sharma was recently removed as India's ODI captain.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes Rohit Sharma is showing renewed determination and fitness after losing ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill, similar to his response following the 2011 World Cup snub.
Bangar claimed the 2011 World Cup omission had left a ‘deep wound’ in Rohit’s heart and the latter is now hurt after being ‘called out’ for his fitness.
Earlier this month, the BCCI selectors took a tough call of removing Rohit as India’s ODI skipper. Despite leading India to the Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, the 38-year-old was not considered for the leadership role when the selectors sit together to pick the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour.
With the ODI World Cup scheduled in two years’ time, the baton was passed over to Gill, who was also named the Test skipper following Rohit's retirement in May 2025.
While chief selector Ajit Agarkar didn’t mention fitness explicitly when explaining the reasons behind the move, reports have claimed that the Indian board isn’t sure about Rohit making it to the quadrennial event at the age of 40.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has looked fitter and quite slim in all of his public appearances in recent times.
“The last time Rohit Sharma followed such a strict fitness regimen was after he missed out on the 2011 World Cup," Bangar said on Amul Cricket Live.
“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. 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," he added.
The three-match ODI series against Australia would be a great opportunity for Rohit Sharma to make his mark. He hasn’t played any competitive cricket since the IPL 2025 while his last appearance for India was in the Champions Trophy final on March 9.
The ODI series is slated to get underway on October 19 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide and Sydney on October 23 and 25 respectively.