No slowing down: Rohit Sharma’s flashy new ride and cricket return

Dubai: Rumours of Rohit Sharma’s cricketing sunset may be premature — the Indian ODI captain is still in the fast lane, literally. Days after returning from a UK holiday, the 38-year-old was spotted cruising through Mumbai in a brand-new, fire-red Lamborghini Urus SE, a sign he’s not ready to slow down on or off the field.

The luxury SUV sports a personalised number plate, 3015, blending the birth dates of his daughter Samaira (December 30) and son Ahaan (November 15) — numbers that also add up to his iconic jersey number 45. Rohit’s earlier Lamborghini carried the plate 0264, honouring his world-record ODI score against Sri Lanka in 2014.

Priced at Rs45.7 million, the Urus SE packs 800hp, 950Nm of torque, and sprints from 0—100km/h in just 3.4 seconds. It joins a garage already boasting a BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d, Mercedes S-class, and a Range Rover HSE LWB.

But while his road exploits grabbed attention — Rohit was once fined for driving at 215km/h on the Mumbai—Pune Expressway — it’s his work off the road that will matter to Indian cricket fans. Back from his break, he has resumed training in Mumbai with long-time friend and former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, a move seen as the first step towards an ODI return in October’s three-match series in Australia.

That series could mark a significant moment — reports suggest both Rohit and Virat Kohli may receive a ‘respectful farewell’ on the tour. However, BCCI sources told PTI that no immediate decision will be taken on their ODI futures, with the current focus firmly on preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Rohit has not played competitive cricket since the Indian Premier League ended in June, having already retired from Tests and T20Is. With the August ODI series against Bangladesh postponed, the Australia tour is likely to be his next international appearance. There is also talk of encouraging both veterans to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year to sharpen their 50-over form.

For now, the “Hitman” seems to be revving up both his engines — the one under his Lamborghini’s bonnet and the one driving his cricketing ambitions.