Even as the cricket world at large was debating no handshakes, ultimately futile gestures from Pakistani players and administrators, and India’s new-age champions, Rohit Sharma was quietly gearing up for his next challenge.
Starting on September 16, Rohit – who has now been replaced by Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain – spent nearly a week at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. And he wasn’t just going through the motions either – with practice specifically tailored to the conditions and opposition he will face in Australia later this month.
His practice involved two hours of batting against tall fast bowlers – he had specifically requested for the same. There were days when he had two sessions, which he would ask to be extended even when the staff informed him that the scheduled time was up.
He also did gym work with lighter weights, and in all, the preparation included a group of ten bowlers and another set of throwdown specialists.
Starting on September 16, Rohit – who has now been replaced by Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain – spent nearly a week at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. @rohitjuglan brings you the inside details from his preparations for Australia series #AUSvIND… pic.twitter.com/QX3zFT60AF
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 6, 2025
With ODIs now the only format that he plays for India, Rohit knows that he will get a maximum of nine matches – three in Australia, and three apiece on home soil against South Africa (November-December) and New Zealand (January 2026) – to impress this season. That is, of course, depending on his continued selection and desire to keep playing.
But if what the CoE witnessed in September is any guide, India’s former captain isn’t about to exit stage left just yet.
