How Rohit Sharma battled a career-threatening hip injury: He's a ticking bomb

Former India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai revealed how Rohit Sharma battled a career-threatening hip injury in 2017 and why regular strength training remains crucial to his longevity.

In Short

• Rohit Sharma suffered a career-threatening hip injury in 2017
• Rohit is set to play in India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand
• Rohit underwent surgeries involving his hamstring and hip flexor

Rohit Sharma’s fitness has often been a talking point among cricket fans, with the former India captain facing criticism over his physique and training routines. However, former India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai has shed light on the physical challenges the veteran batter has faced behind the scenes, revealing how an injury in 2017 threatened his career.

Speaking on a podcast with Prashant Desai, Soham explained that Rohit underwent surgeries involving his hamstring and hip flexor, leaving the area around his hip vulnerable. His revelations offer a glimpse into the work required to keep one of India’s most accomplished batters fit for international cricket.

“So people say this Rohit is lazy, mota hai (that he’s fat), training nahi karta hai (that he doesn’t train). People need to understand this: that Rohit Sharma had a career-threatening injury around his hip in 2017 — Champions Trophy jab hum log hare the Pakistan ke samne final, wo wali mein (after the Champions Trophy final against Pakistan). So he has got surgeries in his hamstring and his hip flexor and all that,” Soham said.

‘IF ROHIT WAS LAZY, HE WOULDN’T HAVE LASTED’

Soham explained that Rohit’s hip remains a vulnerable area, making regular strength training essential to managing the risk of further injuries. He argued that the batter’s longevity at the highest level was proof of the effort he has put into maintaining his fitness over the years.

“Around his hip is his weak spot. If he doesn’t train for a minimum of two strength sessions in a week, he is a red flag, he is a ticking bomb. And that is the scenario for the last seven to eight years. So if he was not working hard, if he was lazy, he wouldn’t have lasted till today.

“Forget about scoring runs, leading in the IPL, playing twelve months, all formats. For the last seven-eight years, so it has been non-negotiable. Either he has to do that or he has to work in a particular manner on the ground. Without those two, he cannot last and this is not a secret,” he added.

ROHIT EYES ANOTHER STRONG RUN

Despite his fitness challenges, Rohit continued to deliver with the bat across all formats since making his international debut in 2007. He scored 32, 101 and 92 in India’s recent three-match ODI series against the West Indies, finishing with 225 runs.

Rohit is expected to return to action alongside Virat Kohli in India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on November 4. The series will provide another opportunity for the veteran opener to build on his recent form as India continue preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Rohit has made significant strides in his fitness in recent years, with his commitment to training and conditioning playing an important role in sustaining his career. As India look to secure a record-extending third Men’s ODI World Cup title in 2027, his fitness, experience and ability to deliver at the top of the order could prove crucial to the team’s ambitions.

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