Former Team India cricketer Amit Mishra has shared his views on Rohit Sharma’s recent fitness transformation after the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa. The former Indian spinner said that fitness should not be judged only by appearance and warned against chasing a lean look just to seem fit.
Rohit was last seen playing in the ODI series against South Africa. The India captain is now set to return to domestic cricket. He will represent Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 season. The batter is expected to feature in Mumbai’s first two matches of the tournament, which is set to begin on December 24.
Everybody’s Body Is Not The Same – Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra said that modern cricket puts too much focus on looking lean rather than being genuinely fit. Mishra advised players to focus on healthy habits. He also added that rushing fitness goals can lead to long-term body problems.
“Everybody’s body is not the same. There is a difference. The type is different. Fitness is judged more on looks these days. To look lean. It is better to have a genuine body and maintain your fitness. Eat well, work hard, you will stay fit. Take care of your diet and do things naturally,” Mishra said in a podcast on MensXP’s YouTube channel.
“Don’t be fit to just look fit. There are many examples of those who made themselves look fit in short time, I will not take names, but later they have faced many issues with their body. It is better to have good sleep, eat well, do natural things. Go the gym, it is good, but also for running go out on the ground. You need to have that mindset,” he added.
Rohit Sharma Was Fit Before As Well – Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra also said that Rohit Sharma was never unfit, adding that the batter’s physique never affected his performance. Mishra said that he always found him quick, active, and fully involved on the field. Mishra added that claims about Rohit being overweight were based on perception, not reality.
“Rohit Sharma has made a comeback and is fit. He was fit before as well. I have played with him. People called him heavy but I never felt that he was slow on the field or could not score runs. It was not like he would bat and go out, he would field as well and was active. Everyone have their opinion and perspective,” Mishra said.
Rohit Sharma’s Fitness Transformation Helps in ODI Runs
Rohit Sharma lost more than 10 kg ahead of the ODI series against Australia. He scored 202 runs in three matches, including a century and a half-century. The right-handed batter finished as Player of the Series.
He also carried that form into the ODI series against South Africa, scoring 146 runs across three matches with two half-centuries. Rohit is next expected to feature in India’s home ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara.
The Mumbai batter enjoyed a strong year in one-day cricket, scoring 650 runs in 14 matches. He is currently No. 1 in the ODI batting rankings, with Virat Kohli close behind. Overall, Rohit has scored 11,516 runs in 279 ODIs with 33 centuries and 61 half-centuries.
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