With the evolution of cricket, fitness has become a crucial aspect for players to secure their place in the Indian team. The introduction of the Yo-Yo test has further emphasized the importance of fitness in the selection process. One player who often finds himself in fitness debates is Rohit Sharma. However, according to India’s strength and conditioning coach Ankit Kaliyar, Rohit is as fit as the renowned Virat Kohli.
Kaliyar praised Rohit’s fitness, stating, “Rohit Sharma is a fit player. He has good fitness. He looks a bit bulky but he always passes the Yo-Yo test. He is as fit as Virat Kohli. He looks like he is bulky but we have seen him on the field. His agility and mobility are amazing. He is among the fittest cricketers.” This highlights that appearances can be deceiving, and Rohit’s on-field performance speaks volumes about his fitness levels.
Speaking of Virat Kohli, Kaliyar acknowledged that the Indian captain has played a pivotal role in creating a culture of fitness within the team. Kohli’s commitment to fitness has inspired other players to prioritize their physical well-being. Kaliyar stated, “Virat is a leading example when it comes to fitness. He has created a culture of fitness in the team. When your top player is so fit, then you become an example for others. He injects confidence in others. Fitness was his top parameter in the team. He has created that culture and discipline in the team. That atmosphere was created by Virat bhai, and it’s a commendable thing. He is the reason why all the Indian players are so fit.”
Shubman Gill, a promising young player, also draws inspiration from Virat Kohli, not only in terms of batting but also in terms of fitness. Kaliyar expressed his confidence in Gill’s abilities, stating, “Shubman is very fit. Not just fit, he is a very skillful player. There is no doubt that Shubman is inspired by Virat bhai. Be it batting, fitness, or skill, Shubman is following Virat bhai. I am sure Shubman will be doing well for the country in the coming years.”
As for Rohit Sharma’s potential role in the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup, there have been speculations regarding his leadership. Reports suggested that he was asked to lead the Indian team in the T20Is against South Africa, but he opted for a break from the white-ball leg of the tour. However, there are indications that he might be considered for the T20 Cricket World Cup.
Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir praised Rohit Sharma’s captaincy during the ODI World Cup in 2023, stating that he has done a great job. Gambhir emphasized that one bad game does not define a player or a team, and considering Rohit’s achievements, he deserves to lead the Indian team in the 2024 T20 World Cup if he maintains good form.
With the T20 Cricket World Cup presenting an opportunity for India to end their title drought, the selection of the right players and the leadership role will be crucial. Whether Rohit Sharma will be part of the team and lead them to victory remains to be seen. However, his fitness and on-field performance indicate that he is a strong contender for a significant role in the tournament.
“In the realm of leadership, Rohit has excelled admirably. Achieving victory in five IPL tournaments is no small feat. The manner in which India asserted themselves in the recent 50-over World Cup was noteworthy, a sentiment I expressed even before the World Cup final. I maintained that, regardless of the outcome, India showcased championship-worthy performance throughout. Labeling Rohit Sharma or the team as subpar based on one off-game is unjust. Across ten matches, they exhibited dominance throughout the entire tournament. It is unfair to dub Rohit Sharma as an inadequate captain solely due to one unfavorable match result,” remarked Gambhir.
Despite securing ten consecutive wins in the prestigious tournament, India faced defeat in the final against Australia.
The 42-year-old former player expressed his belief that, if Rohit maintains good form, he should lead the Indian team in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
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