As Rohit Sharma targets a place in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, his fitness has become a major talking point. With the former India captain now 39 and facing questions over his recent fitness concerns, there are doubts about whether the selectors will include him in their plans for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027.
However, former India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai has revealed that Rohit Sharma has been working hard behind the scenes to remain fit and continue playing at the highest level. He also disclosed that a serious hip injury in 2017 nearly threatened Rohit’s career, making specific strength-training exercises and running routines essential for his long-term fitness.
Speaking on a podcast, Soham addressed the criticism that Rohit Sharma is lazy, overweight or does not train hard enough. He explained that people often overlook the physical challenges the batter has faced throughout his career.
According to Soham Desai, Rohit suffered a career-threatening injury around his hip during the 2017 Champions Trophy, when India lost the final against Pakistan. The injury required surgeries involving his hamstring and hip flexor, leaving him with specific fitness requirements that he must continue to manage.
Soham explained that even though nearly a decade has passed since the injury, Rohit’s hip remains a vulnerable area. Maintaining a consistent strength-training routine is therefore crucial to reducing the risk of further injuries. He revealed that Rohit must complete at least two strength-training sessions every week. Missing these sessions could significantly increase his injury risk, making this routine essential for his career.
Soham Desai added that this requirement has remained non-negotiable for the last seven to eight years. He argued that Rohit Sharma’s longevity, ability to score runs, leadership in the IPL and participation across formats over a demanding 12-month cricket calendar demonstrate the effort he has put into maintaining his fitness.
According to the former India coach, Rohit would not have been able to sustain his career for so long if he had genuinely neglected his training. He also pointed out that the importance of Rohit’s fitness routine is already well known.
Why does Rohit Sharma’s training differ from Virat Kohli’s training?
Soham Desai also explained why Rohit Sharma’s training programme differs from that of Virat Kohli, who is widely admired for his exceptional fitness levels. He said Rohit’s training focuses heavily on strength, explosiveness and quick reactions. Because of his injury history, Rohit needs a specific type of strength training to prevent his physical condition from deteriorating further. He also requires regular running sessions to keep his hamstrings, quadriceps and other muscles functioning properly.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has different physical requirements. Soham Desai explained that Kohli does comparatively less running as part of his training because his workload is different. His training mainly involves on-field work, weightlifting and basic strength exercises.
Soham emphasised that the two cricketers have different needs, and their training programmes must be designed accordingly. Rohit’s injury history makes his specialised strength work and running routine particularly important.
Retirement from Tests and T20Is gives Rohit Sharma more control
Rohit Sharma’s workload has also changed since he retired from Test cricket and T20 internationals. With fewer formats to manage, he now has more time to focus on his fitness, training and recovery.
Soham Desai explained that playing all three formats leaves a cricketer with limited control over his schedule, as training and recovery often depend on the demands of the game. With Rohit no longer playing Tests and T20Is, he has greater flexibility to manage these aspects of his preparation.
As Rohit continues to work towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, his ability to maintain this specialised fitness routine could play an important role in determining how long he can continue representing India.
We wish all the best to Rohit Sharma!
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