Even as Rohit Sharma steps back from international cricket following his Test and T20I retirements, discussions around his fitness continue to surface. Despite leading India to several historic wins and delivering consistent performances across formats, the 37-year-old has frequently been at the center of debates about his physical conditioning.
But Soham Desai, India’s former strength and conditioning coach, has categorically dismissed these doubts, shedding light on Rohit’s commitment behind the scenes.
“People assume Rohit doesn’t work hard on his fitness. Given his history, for him to lead at the highest level for four years with barely a game missed is significant. He cannot do that by fluke, right?” Desai told The Indian Express.
“Can he get better? Yes, 100%. He will be the first one to admit that. But to assume he doesn’t work hard is unfair.”
📉 Rohit’s Recent Career Phase
Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the ongoing India-England series, following a sharp decline in form — notably managing just 31 runs in six innings during the Australia tour. The move also coincided with Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, signaling a generational shift in Indian cricket.
Although Rohit remains India’s ODI captain, his international appearances are expected to reduce significantly, with no ODIs scheduled until the Australia tour in October 2025.
💬 Desai on Virat Kohli: The Fitness Standard
Desai, who worked with the Indian team during Kohli’s peak years, was full of praise for the star batter, calling him a “model athlete.”
“What should I say about Virat? It was an honour to coach a student like him. A model athlete. He wanted to be the best and achieved it through sheer will,” said Desai.
He further reflected on the different leadership styles of the two modern greats:
“Both Rohit and Virat shared the same goal—to dominate world cricket. They just approached it differently.”