Rohit​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Sharma made a comeback to international cricket in an impressive manner when his future was still uncertain and he had just been relieved of the ODI captaincy. First off, the Hitman was the top scorer of the runs in the India vs Australia ODI series that just happened, which was also his first international game since the Champions Trophy ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌2025.

Rohit Sharma credits solo preparation for series success

Following his match-winning innings in the third ODI, Sharma opened up about how he spent his time away from international cricket to prepare for the tour, hinting at the importance of self-directed training. His comments were seen by some as an indirect message to head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors.

In a video uploaded by the BCCI, Rohit explained that he utilised the break to focus on himself and prepare on his own terms. “Since the time I started playing, I never had 4-5 months to prepare for a series. So, I wanted to utilise that and do things in my own way, on my own terms. That actually worked out pretty well for me,” Rohit said.

He added that understanding what he needed for the rest of his career was key, acknowledging the difference in conditions between India and Australia. “It’s a massive difference between the two countries. But I’ve come here so many times, so it was just about getting into the rhythm,” he said.

Rohit​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ took a break after stepping down from Test cricket just before the India vs England series in May and thus, was away from international cricket for almost eight months. In the first ODI in Perth, he could only score 8 runs but in the second match in Adelaide, he made a comeback with a 73-run knock and then excelled with an unbeaten 121 in the third ODI, leading India to the win.

With 202 runs at an average of 101, Rohit ended the series in great form and he thus, made it very clear to the selectors and the critics that he remains a formidable player in international ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌cricket.