Inside Rohit Sharma's Intense 7-Day Training Camp at BCCI's Centre of Excellence

Rohit Sharma may have lost the ODI captaincy, but he's certainly not ready to fade quietly into the background. The 38-year-old veteran spent nearly a week at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru starting September 16, putting in grueling training sessions specifically designed to tackle Australia's bouncy pitches. According to a detailed RevSportz report, Rohit's dedication during this period revealed a player determined to prove his worth despite being replaced as captain by Shubman Gill.

The Training Regimen: Two Hours Daily Against Tall Fast Bowlers

Rohit's practice routine was meticulously planned to simulate the challenges he'll face Down Under. The centerpiece of his training involved two hours of batting against tall fast bowlers—a specific request he made to the coaching staff.

"His practice involved two hours of batting against tall fast bowlers - he had specifically requested for the same. There were days when he had two sessions, which he would ask to be extended even when the staff informed him that the scheduled time was up."

This wasn't casual net practice. Rohit was preparing to face the pace and bounce of Australian conditions, where tall fast bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and potentially Pat Cummins would test him with extra bounce and sharp movement. His insistence on extending sessions beyond scheduled times demonstrated the seriousness with which he's approaching this comeback.

Comprehensive Preparation: 10 Bowlers and Throwdown Specialists

The preparation involved a comprehensive support system. Ten bowlers were assembled to provide varied bowling styles and angles, while another set of throwdown specialists helped Rohit work on specific shots and situations. This level of customized preparation reflects the BCCI's investment in ensuring their senior players are match-ready despite the seven-month gap since the Champions Trophy.

Rohit also incorporated gym work with lighter weights, focusing on maintaining fitness and mobility rather than building bulk. At 38, staying injury-free and maintaining agility becomes increasingly important, and his training regimen reflected this smart approach.

The Context: Preparing for a Defining Series

This intensive training camp comes at a crucial juncture in Rohit's career. Having been removed as ODI captain despite winning the Champions Trophy in March, he now faces the challenge of proving his value as a specialist batsman under new captain Shubman Gill. With ODIs being his only remaining international format (having retired from Tests and T20Is), and with approximately nine ODIs scheduled before the end of 2025, every match becomes critical.

The Australia series starting October 19 in Perth represents his first opportunity to silence critics who questioned whether he should remain in the squad at all. Former cricketers like Saba Karim have asked why Rohit is in the team if selectors don't see him in 2027 World Cup plans—making strong performances in Australia essential to justify his continued selection.

Mentoring the Next Generation

Between training sessions, Rohit also found time to inspire India's Under-19 cricketers at the same facility on September 20, sharing insights from his decorated career. This gesture demonstrated his commitment to Indian cricket beyond his own playing career, offering guidance to youngsters while simultaneously preparing for his own challenges.

The Road Ahead

Rohit's week-long camp at Bengaluru showed a player unwilling to go quietly. Despite the captaincy change and uncertainty about his 2027 World Cup prospects, he's putting in the hard yards to extend his international career. Whether this preparation translates into runs against Australia's quality attack remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Rohit Sharma isn't ready to walk away without giving everything he has left.