Former Coach Defends Rohit Sharma Against Fitness Criticisms

Rohit Sharma faced a major career-threatening hip injury after the 2017 Champions Trophy final loss to Pakistan, according to former India Strength and Conditioning coach Soham Desai. Speaking on a podcast, Desai pushed back against online social media critics who call the former India captain lazy or claim he does not train, revealing that Rohit underwent surgeries on his hamstring and hip flexor.

Training Routine

Desai noted that Rohit's hip remains a weak spot requiring a minimum of two strength sessions every week to avoid breaking down. Unlike Virat Kohli, whose training relies heavily on lifting and basic strength work because he does not need to run as much, Rohit relies on strength-based, explosive, and reactive training alongside basic running work to keep his hamstring and quads in good rhythm. Desai added that Rohit's recent retirement from T20Is and Tests has given him more time to control his routine compared to playing all three formats on the road.

Recent Performance

Among ODI batters in the last nine years, only Kohli has scored more runs than Rohit. During India's home ODI series against the West Indies, Rohit scored 32, 102, and 92 across three matches. He and Kohli will next play in a five-match ODI tour of New Zealand starting on November 4.

Context

Strength and conditioning coaches manage the physical fitness, injury recovery, and training workloads of professional athletes. Managing recurring injuries requires tailored routines for players competing across multiple years of international cricket.