NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma stunned fans with his fitter and leaner look when he appeared at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards last week. The transformation was widely seen as a message to critics who questioned his fitness ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Addressing the buzz around Rohit's new physique, former Team India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar revealed the reasoning behind the star's transformation at this stage of his career. He also explained the process Rohit undertook to shed weight and achieve his current fitness level.

"I think initially we sort of realized that there were 12 weeks before this Australia series. So the thought process was to do something different. And since we had time on our hands, it was not about maintaining, but about growth. Growth in regards to his physical structure, growth in regards to his movements, you know, how he viewed himself, how he looked in front of the mirror, and also being in a place where he felt fitter and felt like he could move faster and swift on the field, even with the bat, you know, So I think that was a thought process and the 12 weeks was more about making a difference, making a difference when people viewed him," Nayar told Star Sports.

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Nayar also revealed that the airport trolling about Rohit gaining weight motivated him to undergo this transformation, highlighting the many sacrifices he made during the journey.

"And, you know, there were lots of talks about him putting on weight and a few images of him coming out of the airport. So it was about changing all of that and in a lot of ways, to be healthier, faster and fitter. And that's where the journey started. 12 weeks, a lot of hard work and a lot of perseverance, not only in regards to three, three hours of training, but also his food and his habits. And around that. It's been a lot of sacrifices that has transformed him into this mean machine, if I could say so," he added.

Nayar also stated that while Rohit may have been relieved of the captaincy, he won't change his approach, remaining committed to the team's best interests and doing whatever is necessary to contribute.

"Whether he's captain or not, that will never change the way he plays for this team and for his teammates," said the former Team India assistant coach.

Rohit was spotted batting in the nets alongside Virat Kohli on Thursday during India's first practice session in Perth. The 38-year-old former captain was also seen engaging in an intense discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir.