India’s cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, was recently spotted training rigorously in a park in Mumbai, preparing for the demanding Test schedule that kicks off in September. The year 2024 has been a landmark for Indian cricket, with the team clinching the T20 World Cup under Sharma’s leadership, ending an 11-year drought for ICC trophies.
As India shifts focus to the longer format, Sharma’s next challenge is to guide the team to their third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final. A video that surfaced on social media platform X shows the 37-year-old engaged in an intense running session in a park, under the watchful eye of India’s newly appointed assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar. This glimpse into his preparation reflects his commitment to staying at peak performance for the grueling season ahead.
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Despite a disappointing ODI series loss against Sri Lanka last month, Sharma’s personal form remained solid. He was the highest run-scorer of the series, with consistent scores of 58, 64, and 35, showcasing his continued reliability at the top of the order.
Captain Rohit Sharma running in the park, Captain working hard for the Test season.!!!๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/c8AbIVcEAR
โ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ข๐ขโดโต (@rushiii_12) August 26, 2024
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Captain Rohit Sharma was seen training in the park.!!!
Hitman getting ready for test season๐๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/uqcnHs4R9o
โ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ข๐ขโดโต (@rushiii_12) August 24, 2024
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Captain Rohit Sharma clicked with Abhishek Nayar after training session.!!!
The captain is working hard before the test season.๐๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/wi28o0WgUa
โ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ข๐ขโดโต (@rushiii_12) August 24, 2024
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Looking ahead, Indiaโs Test calendar is packed with critical matchups. The schedule begins with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19. Following that, India will host New Zealand for a three-Test series in October before locking horns with Australia in a high-stakes five-match Test series starting in November.
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Sharmaโs performance in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle 2023-25 has been commendable. He is currently Indiaโs second-highest run-scorer, amassing 700 runs from nine matches at an average of 46.66, with three centuries and three half-centuries. His form will be crucial as India, leading the WTC points table with a percentage of 68.51%, aims to maintain their edge over second-placed Australia.
Meanwhile, other Indian players are gearing up for the upcoming Duleep Trophy ahead of the home series against Bangladesh.