Rohit Sharma is set to make his return to international cricket after nearly eight months, reigniting excitement among fans and prompting an emotional reaction from his wife, Ritika Sajdeh. The 38-year-old, who retired from both T20Is and Test cricket earlier this year, is gearing up for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on October 19 at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Sharma shared a video of his net session on Instagram, showcasing his trademark strokes and reassuring fans of his fitness. The caption read, "I am here again. It feels really good". The post quickly garnered over a million likes, but it was Ritika Sajdeh's comment that truly captured the sentiment of the moment. She wrote, "Goosebumps and…," followed by teary-eyed emojis. Her reaction encapsulated the anticipation and personal support surrounding Sharma's comeback.
Sharma's return follows concerns about his fitness after a recent hospital visit. However, he successfully cleared a fitness test at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, confirming his readiness for the series. This series marks Sharma's first international appearance since leading India to the Champions Trophy title earlier this year.
Dubbed the "Hitman" of Indian cricket, Sharma is celebrated as one of the greatest ODI players of all time. He boasts an impressive record of 11,168 runs in 273 ODIs, averaging 48.76 with a strike rate of 92.80. His ODI career includes 32 centuries and 58 fifties, making him India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format. His performance in Australia is particularly noteworthy, with 1,328 runs in 30 matches at an average of 53.12, including five centuries.
While Sharma has expressed his desire to play until the 2027 ODI World Cup, some reports suggest that the upcoming Australian tour might be his last in Indian colors. There is speculation that selectors may be considering younger players for the next World Cup cycle. Some reports indicate that Sharma and Virat Kohli might be asked to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they wish to represent India in the 2027 World Cup.
Despite the uncertainty, Sharma is focused on the present, training diligently in Mumbai with his close friend Abhishek Nayar. He appears determined to extend his ODI career and play a key role in India's campaign in the limited-overs format.
