Rohit Sharma’s enduring journey, despite multiple injury concerns over the years, now sees him fighting to retain his spot in the ODI side ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Not only will there be concerns about Rohit’s form heading into the quadrennial event in Africa late next year, but his fitness at 40 will also be equally consequential for the side.

The former India captain has come under widespread social media scrutiny over the years for his fitness. Former India Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coach Soham Desai slammed critics for disregarding the work put in by Rohit behind the scenes. In a podcast with Prashant Desai, Soham revealed that Rohit overcame a career-threatening injury in 2017 after India’s Champions Trophy campaign in England ended in a defeat against Pakistan.

“So people say this Rohit is lazy, mota hai (that he’s fat), training nahi karta hai (that he doesn’t train) .…