The former Indian team assistant coach hailed the ODI skipper as a “crazy leader” and revealed that Rohit has shed nearly 10 kgs as he gears up for his next challenge.
India will soon tour Australia for a three-match ODI series followed by five T20Is, starting October 19. Rohit, who continues to lead the ODI side, is expected to captain in all three ODIs.
The 38-year-old has been rigorously preparing for the series, training both at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and in Mumbai. His last appearance for India came in March at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he led the Men in Blue to glory with a title-clinching win over New Zealand. Rohit also starred in the final, scoring a match-winning 76 under pressure to claim the Player of the Match award.
“Rohit Sharma is a Genius as Captain and Leader”: Abhishek Nayar
Reflecting on Rohit’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Nayar said:
“I have learned so much from Rohit Sharma—his ability to manage the team and the players is incredible. It has been a great journey observing him. He’s simply outstanding as a captain.”
Nayar also highlighted Rohit’s bold decision-making during the tournament:
“There were so many calls he made that were just unbelievable. From the outside, I kept wondering how he had the conviction to back certain players. But he always said, ‘Main karunga, main inme se best nikalunga’ [I will do it, I will bring out the best in them]. That belief and support were amazing. Rohit Sharma as captain is not just crazy—he’s a genius.”
On the playing front, Rohit Sharma last featured in competitive cricket during the IPL 2025, turning out for Mumbai Indians as an opener. He scored 418 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 149.28, including four half-centuries. In August, he cleared his fitness tests at BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru, signaling his readiness for future challenges.
