Rohit Sharma’s ODI captaincy sacking compared to 2011 World Cup snub: "A deep wound in his heart"

Team India batter Rohit Sharma is heading to Australia with a determination to prove himself in the upcoming three-match ODI series against the hosts. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar said that Rohit has shown a fitness transformation, drawing parallels from his exclusion from the 2011 World Cup.

The 38-year-old was removed as India’s ODI captain ahead of the upcoming series in Australia. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, named Shubman Gill as the new ODI skipper. Gill had previously taken over from Rohit as Test captain before the Anderson-Tendulkar 2025 series against England.

Exclusion Left a Deep Wound in His Heart - Sanjay Bangar

Sanjay Bangar said that Rohit Sharma adopted a strict fitness regimen after being left out of India’s 2011 World Cup squad. He stated that the exclusion had left a lasting impact on Rohit, describing it as a “deep wound in his heart,” despite a successful career from 2012 to 2024.

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"The last time Rohit Sharma followed such a strict fitness regimen was after he missed out on the 2011 World Cup," Bangar said on the Amul Cricket Live show.

"That exclusion left a deep wound in his heart, and I think we’re seeing a similar level of determination from him now. From 2012 to 2024, he’s had a wonderful and successful career, but being called out for his fitness has clearly stayed with him, and he has worked hard to address it," he added.

Great to See Rohit Sharma Hungry and Fit - Sanjay Bangar

Sanjay Bangar said that Rohit Sharma is fully prepared to meet all the demands of the game. Bangar stated that Rohit may not always be positioned inside the 30-yard circle and will need to contribute as a fielder.

"It’s visible in his preparation and his mindset. It’s great to see Rohit Sharma hungry and fit once again," Bangar continued.

"As a captain, you don’t always have the luxury of fielding inside the 30-yard circle; sometimes you need to patrol the outfield, dive around, and contribute as a fielder too. Rohit seems to be preparing himself completely for that challenge, and that’s a very positive sign,” he stated.

Rohit Sharma Last Played for Team India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Rohit Sharma has made a remarkable physical transformation since returning from Italy less than two months ago. He has shed eight kilos and looks fitter than ever. The 38-year-old had already retired from Tests and T20 Internationals.

Rohit was excluded from India’s 2011 World Cup squad due to form and injury. MS Dhoni later promoted him to open in the Champions Trophy, a move that marked the beginning of his successful limited-overs career.

Rohit has an outstanding ODI record against Australia, scoring 2,407 runs in 46 matches at an average of 57.31, including eight centuries. On Australian soil, he has amassed 1,328 runs in 30 innings at an average of 53.12 with five hundreds.

The right-handed batter last played for India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He guided the team to the trophy with a crucial 76 in the final against New Zealand.

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