India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma is putting in the hard yards, working on his fitness ahead of the limited-overs tour of Australia. There have been questions around Rohit’s fitness since he is not playing international cricket and was not named for the Australia A One-Day series. But, he has put the speculations to rest after clearing the fitness test at Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and by losing 10 kg, claimed by former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar on his social media account.
On September 24, Nayar posted a photo with Rohit at the gym with caption reading: "10000 grams later... We keep pushing."
Former India pacer Dhawal Kulkarni posted a photo with Rohit and Nayar as well.
Since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, Rohit has not played international cricket. The last time he played professional cricket was in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 2.
The date for the squad announcement for Australia tour featuring three ODIs and five T20Is is yet to be announced. Some reports are claiming that Shubman Gill will take over as captain keeping the ODI World Cup 2027 in the mind. There is no official confirmation yet. In addition, it is being said that Abhishek Sharma will receive his maiden ODI call-up as back-up opener, owing to his stupendous run in the ongoing T20 Asia Cup 2025.
The ODI series will begin on October 19 at Perth Stadium. The remaining two ODIs will be played on October 23 and 25 at Adelaide Oval and Sydney Cricket Ground respectively.
Rohit had earlier said that he is not thinking too far ahead as he has retired from T20Is and Tests. He is not sure whether he will play the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa and wants to stay in the present.
Rohit’s ODI numbers in Australia
The 38-year-old boasts of a good ODI record on Australian soil. From 30 innings, he has 1,328 runs at an average of 53.12, including five centuries and four fifties. The last time he played an ODI in Australia was in 2019.
Rohit’s ODI record vs Australia
Rohit is also the third-highest run-scorer against Australia in ODIs, only behind Virat Kohli (2,451 runs) and legendary Sachin Tendulkar (3,077 runs). From 46 innings, the veteran batter has 2,407 runs at an average of 57.30, including eight centuries and nine fifties. He is one century away from equalling Tendulkar's record for most ODI centuries against Australia.