Recently, Rohit Sharma has garnered attention for his dramatic weight loss and redoubled dedication to fitness off the field.
The 38-year-old’s erratic fitness levels had previously drawn criticism, especially in the early years of his international career. Ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against Australia, recent appearances and training videos have astounded both fans and experts by revealing a noticeably thinner and more nimble version of the star batter.
Long a member of Rohit’s training group, former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar disclosed that the opener started a tough fitness regimen emphasizing strength training and a stringent diet designed to improve agility and endurance.
Speaking on JioStar, Nayar stated that the goal for Rohit’s fitness twelve weeks prior to the Australian trip was “to do something different” and that “growth” was more important than “maintenance.”
“Initially, we realised that there were 12 weeks before the Australia series, so the thought process was to do something different. Since we had time on our hands, it wasn’t just about maintaining; it was about growth. Growth in terms of his physical structure, movement, and how he viewed himself when he looked in the mirror. We wanted him to feel fitter, faster, and more agile on the field and with the bat.”
“There had been a lot of talk about his weight after a few pictures surfaced, so it was about changing that narrative, to be healthier, faster, and stronger. It has been 12 weeks of hard work and perseverance, not just in training but also with his diet and habits. He’s made a lot of sacrifices, and that has transformed him into, if I may say so, a mean machine,” he said.
According to Nayar, the first seven weeks of the preparation plan were devoted exclusively to training, with a concentration on weight loss, movement, and agility. Only in the final five weeks did match preparation and skill development become relevant.
“The skill work was not a priority early on. The remaining five weeks focused on reintroducing skill work and blending it with match-readiness. When you lose weight, the way you move and the power you generate change, so the idea was to adapt to that new rhythm. The last five weeks were all about integrating skill, mindset, and fitness to be match-ready,” he added.
“To perform and make an impact” was Rohit’s immediate objective for the Australia tour, according to Nayar.
“Every time he wears the India jersey, it’s about scoring runs and contributing to wins, and that has never changed for him. He will see this series as another opportunity to go out there, make an impact, and do what he has done so successfully over the years. Whether he is captain or not, Rohit Sharma will always play with the same intent, to win games for India and to continue being Rohit Sharma,” he added.
