Rohit Sharma Reflects: “There’s So Much to Do in Life Beyond Cricket” After Series Win in Australia

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma credited a five-month hiatus from competitive play for his stellar performance in the ODI series against Australia, where he was named both Man of the Match and Man of the Series despite India’s 2-1 defeat. The 38-year-old opener, playing his first international match since the IPL in May, scored an unbeaten 121 in the third ODI at Sydney to secure a nine-wicket consolation victory and avoid a whitewash. Speaking to the BCCI, Sharma revealed that the extended break allowed him to prepare “on my own terms”, a luxury he had never previously enjoyed in his 17-year career, and emphasised the importance of recognising life beyond professional commitments.

Sharma explained that the prolonged preparation period enabled him to focus on personal well-being and tailored training, adapting to Australian conditions despite differences from practice back home. “Sometimes you need to understand that there is so much to do in life besides what you do professionally,” he said, highlighting how the time off helped him regain rhythm and clarity.

His approach paid dividends as he dominated the series, particularly in Sydney, where early challenges with the new ball and a slightly erratic pitch gave way to fluent strokeplay once the shine wore off. The knock underscored Sharma’s enduring class and adaptability on a tour where India struggled overall.

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A standout moment was Sharma’s 100-plus run partnership with long-time teammate Virat Kohli, their first century stand in some time, which he described as both enjoyable and strategically vital after Shubman Gill’s early dismissal and with Shreyas Iyer sidelined by injury.

The duo’s on-field chemistry, built over years of shared experience, proved crucial in stabilising the innings and guiding India home. Despite the series loss, Sharma drew positives from emerging paceman Harshit Rana’s impressive debut showing in white-ball cricket and expressed gratitude toward Australian crowds and Indian supporters for their unwavering enthusiasm throughout the tour.

Though unable to secure the series, Sharma remains optimistic about India’s learnings and his own form heading into future assignments. His reflections reveal a maturing perspective on sustainability in a demanding sport, balancing intense preparation with personal rejuvenation. As India regroups, Sharma’s Sydney masterclass serves as a reminder of his ability to deliver under pressure, even after extended layoffs, while reinforcing the value of holistic preparation in elite performance.

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