How Rohit Sharma battled career-threatening hip injury: It’s a ticking time bomb

Rohit Sharma’s fitness has often been the subject of debate among cricket fans, with the former Indian captain facing criticism for his physique and training routines. However, former India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai shed light on the physical challenges faced by the veteran batsman behind the scenes and revealed how the injury in 2017 threatened his career.

In a podcast with Prashant Desai, Soham explained that Rohit had undergone surgeries involving his hamstring and hip flexor, leaving the area around the hip vulnerable. His revelations offer an insight into the work required to keep one of India’s most accomplished batsmen fit for international cricket.

“So people say this Rohit is lazy, mota hai (that he is fat), he trains nahi karta hai (that he doesn’t train). People have to understand this: that Rohit Sharma had a career-threatening injury around his hip in 2017 — Champions Trophy sting hum log hare Pakistan ke samne final, wo wali mein Trophy he has the final against Championsstrham with Pakistan). and his hip flexor and all that,” Soham said.

“IF ROHIT WAS LAZY, HE WOULDN’T HAVE LASTED”

Soham explained that Rohit’s hip remains a vulnerable area, so regular strength training is essential to manage the risk of further injuries. He claimed the batter’s longevity at the top level was a testament to the effort he put into maintaining his fitness over the years.

“Around his hip is where he’s weak. If he’s not training at least two strength sessions a week, that’s a red flag, that’s a ticking time bomb. And that’s the scenario for the last seven to eight years. So if he hadn’t worked hard, if he’d been lazy, he wouldn’t have made it to this day.”

“Forget scoring, leading in the IPL, playing for twelve months, all formats. It’s been non-negotiable for the last seven-eight years. Either he has to do it or he has to work in a particular way on the ground. He can’t last without those two and it’s no secret,” he added.

ROHIT EYES ANOTHER STRONG RUN

Despite his fitness issues, Rohit has continued to play with the bat in all formats since his international debut in 2007. He scored 32, 101 and 92 in India’s recent three-match ODI series against the West Indies and finished with 225 runs.

Rohit is expected to return to action alongside Virat Kohli in India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on November 4. The series will provide another opportunity for the veteran to build on his recent form as India continue their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Rohit has made significant progress in his fitness in recent years, with his dedication to training and fitness playing an important role in sustaining his career. As India aim for a record third Men’s ODI World Cup title in 2027, his fitness, experience and ability to deliver at the top of the order could prove vital to the team’s ambitions.

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