Rohit Sharma is no longer be India’s ODI captain but his determination has not faded one bit.
According to former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, the veteran opener has gone back to the same mindset he had after missing out on the 2011 World Cup.
Bangar believes Rohit’s current training intensity shows he is deeply hurt by recent events but equally motivated to make a strong comeback.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
The 37-year-old was recently removed as India’s ODI skipper, with Shubman Gill taking over and Shreyas Iyer appointed vice-captain.
Despite the leadership change, Rohit remains part of the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, his first appearance for India since the Champions Trophy final earlier this year.
What did Sanjay Bangar say about Rohit’s mindset and fitness?
Speaking about Rohit’s preparation, Bangar drew parallels between the present and the period after 2011 when Rohit was left out of India’s World Cup squad.
Bangar added that Rohit’s current training shows the same hunger and pain that pushed him to transform his game over a decade ago.
"The last time Rohit Sharma followed such an intense fitness regimen was after missing the 2011 World Cup, an injury that deeply affected him emotionally. I believe he has put in a similar level of effort this time," said Rohit.
"From 2012 to 2024, he enjoyed a remarkable and stellar career, but this recent setback has clearly impacted him. His preparation reflects that and it is evident in his approach," he added.
MORE: Most WTC centuries by an Indian: Shubman Gill breaks Rohit Sharma’s World Test Championship record
According to Bangar, a captain doesn’t get to stay confined within the 30-yard circle, he has to be active across the field, diving and fielding wherever required. So, when Rohit trains hard to improve his fitness and fielding, it reflects his determination.
"It is great to see Rohit so driven and fit, especially as a captain. Unlike some roles, a captain doesn’t have the luxury of staying within the 30-yard circle. He needs to cover the outfield, dive, and contribute as a fielder. Rohit is preparing himself thoroughly for all aspects of the game, and that’s a positive sign," Bangar concluded.
What happened to Rohit Sharma after 2011 World Cup?
Back in 2011, Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the ODI World Cup squad was one of the biggest setbacks of his early career.
He had just recovered from a shoulder injury but still missed selection for the MS Dhoni-led side. At the time, he publicly expressed his disappointment, calling it a big setback.
READ: When will Rohit Sharma play cricket next?
That low point, however, turned into a major turning point in his career. Two years later, in 2013, Rohit began opening for India under Dhoni's captaincy, a move that transformed him into one of the world’s most consistent white-ball batters.
Since then, he has become a five-time IPL-winning captain and led India to major finals, including the 2023 WTC and ODI World Cup, before finally lifting the Champions Trophy in 2025.
Now, as he gears up for a new chapter purely as a senior batter, his renewed energy in training suggests another comeback story could be in the making.
RELATED LINKS:
- Who will win the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 odds, winners list, favourites to win, schedule and results
- ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Schedule, fixtures, match times, latest results and points table
- Women's World Cup 2025 semi-final qualification scenarios: Rules, chances and points required for progressing from group stage
- How to bet online on cricket in India and the most trusted site
- All the latest cricket news
- All betting tips and predictions