Rohit​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Sharma’s return to form after fall from grace is a tale full of fighting spirit, self-control, and triumphant return. After being tagged as unfit during the IPL 2025 season, the Indian captain made a grand statement by changing his physique as well as his mindset — he lost close to 11 kilos before the ODI series against Australia.

Rohit’s performance and fitness became a horrible joke to people after the IPL. He was a team’s utility player for most of the tournament and thus lacked the necessary match practice. Several voices questioned if this was the last chapter of his international career.

Still, the Mumbai hitter refused to throw in the towel. With the assistance of good friend and Kolkata Knight Riders’ new head coach Abhishek Nayar, Rohit underwent a rigorous fitness regime that was geared to bring his endurance back and mental alertness to a higher level. ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌

“There were no questions about Rohit’s batting class, but his body needed a reset,” said a source close to the duo. Under Nayar’s guidance, Rohit adopted a strict routine, reportedly performing 700–800 repetitions per muscle group, cutting down on his favourite meals, and even entering a “bodybuilder phase” to regain strength and agility.

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ changes were amazing. After his fitness hiatus, Rohit was hardly recognisable by the fans - leaner, more defined, and visibly more lively. The change was so effective that it was like a new season unfolding on the field.

In the India–Australia ODI series that just ended, Rohit not only did a stunning fielding work for 50 overs in each of the three matches but also hit his 50th international century, made a 168-run partnership with Virat Kohli, got the Player of the Series award and walked away.

Nayar, who is also the commentator for India–Australia white-ball series, said that Rohit’s change is still ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌going.

“Rohit Sharma will be a relieved man on his flight back to India. He gave up his favourite meal, and the results are visible. The next series is in a month’s time ,don’t be surprised if he loses a few more kilos by then,” Nayar told JioHotstar.

Rohit and Kohli are now set to take a 36-day break before India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa at home. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, both veterans have made it clear that their hunger to dominate remains as fierce as ever.