Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli intensify training ahead of Australia tour

Both spotted hitting the gym after having last played in the Indian Premier League

Last updated: August 19, 2025 | 17:24

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

1 MIN READ

India’s captain Rohit Sharma (left) and teammate Virat Kohli in action during the ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023.

AFP

Dubai: Indian cricket veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have ramped up their fitness regimes as they gear up for the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

Following their retirement from both T20 Internationals and Test cricket, the iconic duo has returned to training after an extended break.

The ODI series against Australia is scheduled for October, shortly after the Asia Cup in the UAE.

Rohit, now 38, was recently spotted working out with former Indian coach Abhishek Nayar, in a photo shared on social media. The ODI captain remains optimistic about achieving peak fitness ahead of the 2027 World Cup, given the time still available.

Meanwhile, Kohli was seen near a net session in London, continuing his training. A few weeks earlier, he had practiced in the nets with Gujarat Titans coach Naim Amin. After one of his sessions, Kohli also took a moment to pose with a fan.

Looking ahead, both players are targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. However, by the time the tournament kicks off, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 38, making their path to the marquee event a physically demanding one.

The last time the two were seen in competitive action was during the 2025 IPL season. Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden title, defeating Punjab Kings in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.