Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani shared a warm and memorable moment with Rohit Sharma ahead of the franchise’s IPL opener, leaving the veteran batter smiling after praising his remarkable fitness transformation.
In a video posted by the franchise before their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, Nita Ambani was visibly surprised by Rohit’s leaner look. “My God, Rohit, I didn’t recognise you! You look like a young boy,” she said with a smile, as the former MI captain responded with a shy grin.
The interaction came during her visit to the Mumbai Indians camp, where she also spent time with players and support staff. One of the lighter moments saw her introducing Kieron Pollard as “Polly Kaka” to a family member, a gesture that quickly won over fans online.
Rohit’s transformation is no accident. After stepping away from Test cricket in 2025, the 38-year-old has put significant focus on his fitness, with a clear goal in mind, the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Still chasing that elusive title after India’s heartbreak in the 2023 final in Ahmedabad, Rohit appears determined to give himself the best possible chance for one final shot. His recent ODI numbers underline that intent. He scored 650 runs in 14 matches last year at an average of 50, while also delivering a match-winning knock in the Champions Trophy final.
On his return against Australia, Rohit looked sharper than ever, scoring 202 runs in three matches, including an unbeaten 121 in Sydney, to claim the Player of the Series award.
While his international performances have remained strong, Rohit’s IPL returns have dipped in recent years, a trend he will be keen to reverse this season.
With 7,046 runs in 272 matches, he remains one of the league’s all-time greats. However, consistency has been an issue. His last 450-plus season came back in 2016, and he has crossed the 400-run mark only three times in the past nine editions.
Last season, Rohit managed 418 runs at a strike rate close to 150, showing flashes of his old self but lacking sustained impact.
With a renewed physique and a clear target ahead, Mumbai Indians will hope that a fitter, sharper Rohit Sharma can rediscover his best and perhaps script one final great chapter, both in the IPL and on the road to 2027.
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