Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik believes Rohit Sharma will come back with renewed hunger and proof that he will be back in the upcoming ODI series against Australia later this month.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Karthik reflected on Rohit’s journey over the past year – from the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia in Ahmedabad to leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. He feels the former skipper still has unfinished business in the 50-over format and is still determined to lift it.
“I think ever since he lost the final of the 2023 World Cup, his dream was to captain a team that would win the World Cup – which he did in 2024 in the Caribbean,” Karthik said. “That fire is still burning and he wants to win the Over-50 World Cup.
The upcoming ODI series against Australia will mark Rohit’s first appearance since the Champions Trophy triumph and he will return solely as a batsman for the first time in years. During the team announcement, it was confirmed that Shubman Gill will lead the side, signaling a change in leadership and raising questions about the long-term future of Rohit and Virat Kohli in the 50-over format.
However, Karthik feels that Rohit’s value to the team goes far beyond management. He believes that fresh, focused Rohit Sharma at the top of the order he can make a huge difference to India, especially with his selfless, attacking approach that has redefined his game in the last few years.
“I am really looking forward to see Rohit Sharma bat,” said Karthik. “When he’s on form, he’s absolutely poetry in motion – especially in the power play, where he fearlessly takes on pitchers and creates a solid platform for the rest of the innings.”
Rohit’s batting in the 2023 World Cup has been one of the defining stories of the tournament. The opener has ditched his traditionally measured starts and adopted a bold attacking style that has seen him take charge at the top of the order. He often set the tone for India’s innings and allowed the middle order to play with freedom. His approach won widespread praise as India dominated the tournament, winning ten consecutive games before falling short in the final.
Although the team missed out on a title, Rohit’s dedication and intent won the admiration of fans and former players alike. Karthik, who shared the dressing room with Rohit for several years, believes this change in mindset has made him an even more perfect cherry.
“Rohit has developed beautifully,” remarked Karthik. “He doesn’t just play for milestones anymore – he sets the tone for the team. That kind of selfless intent was refreshing. Even in the World Cup final, the way he batted forward showed what he brings to Indian cricket.”
Apart from batting, Karthik also emphasized Rohit again focused on physical fitness as a key factor in his comeback. After taking an extended break from international cricket since the Champions Trophy, the 37-year-old has reportedly been focusing on improving his fitness and recuperating.
“I have no doubt that Rohit Sharma’s batter will be extremely valuable,” said Karthik. “It will be the World Cup in South Africa in 2027 – yes, it’s a long way off, but if he focuses on it, which he has, and continues to work on his fitness, he’ll be ready. He’ll be back after a short break – something he probably hasn’t had in his career – and that will make him fresh and hungry again.”
So the upcoming series against Australia is more than just a return to action for Rohit Sharma. It’s a chance to reassert his batting brilliance, rediscover his rhythm and perhaps begin one last hunt for ODI glory. For a player who has already achieved almost everything in the game, the motivation to chase that one remaining prize – the FIFA Over-50 World Cup – could bring out the best in him again.
As Karthik said, the cricketing world will be eager to witness ‘Rohit Sharma the batter’ – fresh, fitter and ready to remind everyone why he remains one of the most elegant and devastating openers in modern cricket.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
October 16, 2025
