‘People say Rohit Sharma is lazy, doesn’t train’: Former S&C coach calls him ‘ticking time bomb’

Rohit Sharma (BCCI Photo) Rohit Sharma is hoping to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, but his fitness remains a topic 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 faced by Rohit. He revealed that the batsman suffered a serious career-threatening hip injury in 2017 and explained why regular weight training remains important to him.

“He had a career-threatening injury in 2017”

Rohit’s fitness is often under scrutiny despite his long career at the highest level. However, Soham feels that people often overlook the serious injury problems that the Indian batsman has dealt with. Soham also disputed the criticism that Rohit is lazy and not working hard on his fitness.“So, people say this Rohit is lazy, mota hai (he’s fat), he trains nahi karta hai (he doesn’t train). People have to understand this: Rohit Sharma had a career-threatening injury around his hip in 2017 – Champions Trophy sting hum log hai Pakistan final ke samne, wo wali mein (during Champions Trophy 2017 he has sstrham in Champions Trophy). and his hip flexor and all that,” Soham said when spoke to Prashant Desai in a podcastSoham explained that Rohit’s hip remains a weak area even years after the injury. He said the batter needs to follow a regular weight training program to reduce the risk of further problems. He also warned that skipping these sessions could put Rohit in a difficult position.“Around his hip is his weak spot. If he doesn’t do at least two weight training 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 didn’t work hard, if he was lazy, he wouldn’t have made it 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 ODI World Cup 2027. He believes the two senior batsmen have earned the right to decide when they want to retire.Pamment spent eight years as Mumbai Indians’ fielding coach, working with Rohit during the franchise’s IPL-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020. He said both players should be supported if they want to play in the World Cup, with their performances ultimately determining whether they deserve a spot in the team.“Well, I think with all top players, when it comes to the end of their career, it’s always a conversation with them. Those guys have earned the right to decide when they want to move on. If they’ve decided the ODI World Cup in South Africa is the pinnacle event they want to be at, then they should be encouraged to never be there. Then it becomes about performance and contribution to the group now.” he said.“I watched him, of course, very closely when I was with the New Zealand team or with the Mumbai Indians. I watched him and to me he’s just the ultimate professional. So he’s the type of person I’d want around me all the time because he’s the ultimate professional,” Pamment added.

Upcoming India New Zealand series to test veterans

Rohit and Kohli will be seen in action in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on November 4.India last won an ODI series in New Zealand in the 2018-19 season.