Cricket icon Rohit Sharma recently dedicated almost two hours to honing his batting prowess at Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park. His rigorous training session comes as India gears up for the highly anticipated One Day International (ODI) series against Australia.
Under the expert guidance of his long-time friend and former Mumbai teammate, Abhishek Nayar, Sharma’s practice drew a significant crowd. Hundreds of enthusiastic fans flocked to the park, eager to catch a rare glimpse of their hero in action during this public training session.
The 38-year-old cricketer, whose last international appearance for India was in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand back in February, showcased impressive form during his net session at the All Heart Cricket Academy.
Displaying his signature elegant timing, Rohit captivated the audience with a series of powerful pull shots and precise cut shots against fast bowlers. He seamlessly transitioned into exquisite inside-out drives, much to the delight of his cheering fans. Not neglecting any aspect of his game, he also spent significant time perfecting his technique against spin, expertly executing sweep and slog-sweep shots.
During one intense moment, as Rohit dispatched a delivery for a magnificent pull shot in the nets, a fan’s voice cut through the clamor, delivering an unforgettable motivational chant. “Rohit bhai, we need to win the 2027 World Cup, and it’s impossible without you! You need to hit the ball just like this in Australia… look, Mitchell Starc is standing right in front of you!” the supporter passionately yelled. This hilarious yet earnest cry for motivation resonated with the crowd, filling the air with laughter and cheers.
The upcoming ODI series against Australia, commencing on October 19 in Perth, will mark Rohit’s highly anticipated return to international cricket. This follows his recent decision to step down as India’s ODI captain. Notably, both Rohit and star batsman Virat Kohli, who had previously retired from Test and ODI formats, have been recalled to the squad for this crucial three-match series.
This experienced pair, alongside the newly appointed vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, is scheduled to join the Test squad currently engaged in a series against the West Indies. They will then collectively depart for Australia on October 15, completing the team’s preparations for the series.