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Sunil Gavaskar Praises Rohit Sharma's "Visible" Hard Work and Revitalized Batting

Sunil Gavaskar has highlighted the visible impact of Rohit Sharma's dedicated fitness work, noting his quicker footwork and increased energy at the crease. Sharma's explosive 78 off 38 balls powered Mumbai Indians to a record chase against Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 opener. Gavaskar was mesmerized by Sharma's shot selection, stating it reminded him of the batter's effortless elegance in his early twenties. Mumbai Indians will look for another special performance from Sharma as they face Delhi Capitals in their next match.

Key Points: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Improved Fitness & IPL 2026 Form

  • Gavaskar praises Sharma's improved fitness
  • Notes quicker footwork and more energy
  • Compares current form to early twenties
  • Highlights 78-run knock in MI's opener
  • MI recorded historic chase vs KKR
2 min read

"Rohit Sharma has clearly worked very hard and rewards are visible": Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar says Rohit Sharma's hard work is paying off with quicker footwork & more energy, reminiscent of his early batting elegance in IPL 2026.

"We've all seen the change in Rohit Sharma's physical condition. He has clearly worked very hard, and the rewards are visible. - Sunil Gavaskar"

New Delhi, April 4

The former India skipper and Mumbai Indians opener batter Rohit Sharma has started his IPL 2026 campaign with a bang and that has attracted many eyeballs, including the 'Little Master' Sunil Gavaskar, who believes that Sharma's footwork is looking quicker after the change in his physical condition.

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar talked about Rohit's improved fitness and its impact on his batting.

"We've all seen the change in Rohit Sharma's physical condition. He has clearly worked very hard, and the rewards are visible. His footwork looks quicker, he has more energy, and that gives him more time at the crease. Elegant players often make batting look effortless, but that comes from preparation and hard work," said Gavaskar.

The 38-year-old Sharma has retired from Test and T20I cricket and plays only one format internationally - ODI. He has worked hard on his fitness and looked more agile and effortless while batting in MI's season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he made 78 off 38 balls, including six fours and as many sixes, which helped MI win the match comfortably.

This was the first occasion after the 2012 season, when MI won their first match of the IPL season. Mumbai Indians chased down a 221-run target with six wickets and five balls to spare, which was also their biggest chase in IPL history.

Gavaskar was very mesmerised by the selection of shots Sharma played in his 78-run knock against KKR.

"Some of the shots he played recently reminded you of Rohit in his early twenties, when he made batting look ridiculously easy. It's great to see him scoring runs again because he's such a delightful player to watch," said Gavaskar.

Mumbai Indians are facing Delhi Capitals in their second match of the IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitey Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, and MI will be hopeful of another 'Rohit Sharma Special'.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a long-time cricket fan, it's so refreshing to see a senior player reinvent himself. At 38, to work that hard on fitness is inspiring. It proves age is just a number if you have the dedication. Wishing him a stellar IPL season!
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Vikram M
Honestly, I was a bit worried after he retired from Tests and T20Is. Thought he might slow down. But this innings was a proper "Hitman" classic! The sixes were effortless. If he plays like this, MI are serious contenders. #OneFamily
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Rohit P
Respect from a namesake! 😄 On a serious note, Gavaskar's praise means a lot. When the Little Master talks about your footwork, you know you've done something right. The chase of 221 was unbelievable. Saturday's match against DC is a must-watch now.
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Priya S
It's great to see, but let's not get carried away by one innings. Consistency is key. We've seen Rohit have brilliant starts before. The real test will be maintaining this form and fitness through the long tournament. Fingers crossed he does!
M
Michael C
Watching from Australia, that was a masterclass. The timing on his shots was sublime. When Indian batters are in this kind of touch, the IPL is the best cricket league in the world. Looking forward to more fireworks from Rohit.

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