Former India ODI captain Rohit Sharma hit the nets at Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park on Friday, training for nearly two hours under the watchful eyes of his longtime friend and mentor Abhishek Nayar. The session comes ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19 in Perth.
Focused Preparation Before Big Tour
Rohit, who was recently succeeded by Shubman Gill as India’s ODI skipper, looked in fine touch as he played a wide range of shots — from elegant cover drives to powerful sweep shots — during two batting sessions at the All Heart Cricket Academy. Young Mumbai batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi and a few local players also trained alongside him.
Fan Frenzy at Shivaji Park
Hundreds of fans gathered around the nets to catch a glimpse of the star opener, cheering loudly each time Rohit timed one sweetly. His wife Ritika Sajdeh was also present, while Nayar — who has closely worked with Rohit and several India players in the past — guided him through the drills.
New Role, Same Intent
Although no longer captain, Rohit remains an integral part of the ODI setup and is expected to play a key role in guiding Shubman Gill during the leadership transition. The veteran opener has reportedly shed weight to stay fit and is determined to maintain his aggressive approach at the top of the order.
Domestic Cricket on the Horizon
Reports suggest that Rohit and Virat Kohli are also likely to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year, before India’s home ODI series against New Zealand — a move aimed at staying in rhythm and match-ready for future assignments.
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