Rohit Sharma is hoping to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, but his fitness remains a talking point as he approaches the final years of his career. At 39, the former India captain will need to maintain his form and fitness to remain in the selectors’ plans for the tournament, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.Former India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai has now spoken about the fitness challenges Rohit has faced. He revealed that the batter suffered a serious hip injury in 2017 that threatened his career and explained why regular strength training remains important for him.
‘He had a career-threatening injury in 2017’
Rohit’s fitness has frequently come under scrutiny despite his long career at the highest level. Soham, however, believes people often overlook the serious injury problems the Indian batter has dealt with. Soham also questioned the criticism that Rohit is lazy and does not work hard on his fitness.“So, people say this Rohit is lazy, mota hai (he’s fat), training nahi karta hai (doesn’t train). People need to understand this: Rohit Sharma had a career-threatening injury around his hip in 2017 – Champions Trophy jab hum log hare the Pakistan ke samne final, wo wali mein (during the Champions Trophy 2017). So he has got surgeries in his hamstring and his hip flexor and all that,” Soham said while speaking to Prashant Desai on a podcastSoham explained that Rohit’s hip continues to be a weak area even years after the injury. He said the batter needs to follow a regular strength-training programme to reduce the risk of further problems. He also warned that missing these sessions could put Rohit in a difficult position.“Around his hip is his weak spot. If he doesn’t train for a minimum of two strength sessions in a week, he is a red flag, he is a ticking bomb. And that is the scenario for the last seven to eight years. So if he was not working hard, if he was lazy, he wouldn’t have lasted till today,” Soham said of Rohit.
Pamment backs Rohit and Kohli for 2027 World Cup
Former New Zealand assistant coach James Pamment has also backed Rohit and Virat Kohli to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. He believes the two senior batters have earned the right to decide when they want to retire.Pamment spent eight years as the Mumbai Indians’ fielding coach, working with Rohit during the franchise’s IPL title-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020. He said the two players should be supported if they want to play in the World Cup, with their performances ultimately determining whether they deserve a place in the team.“Well, I think with all top players, when the time is coming towards the end of the career, it’s a conversation that is always had with them. Those guys have earned the right to make the decision on when they do want to move away. If they have decided that the ODI World Cup in South Africa is a pinnacle event that they want to be at, then they should be supported to be there. Then it becomes about performance and contribution to the group. Now, I’ve never worked closely with Virat,” Pamment said.“I’ve watched him, obviously, very closely when I’ve been with the New Zealand team or with Mumbai Indians. I’ve watched him and to me, he’s just the ultimate professional. So he’s the sort of guy that I would want in my environment the whole time because he’s the ultimate professional,” Pamment added.
India’s upcoming New Zealand series to test the veterans
Rohit and Kohli will be seen in action in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting November 4.India last won an ODI series in New Zealand during the 2018-19 season.