Nita Ambani Praises Rohit Sharma's Fitness Transformation Ahead of IPL 2026

Nita Ambani recently praised Rohit Sharma's impressive fitness transformation during her visit to the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026. As Rohit prepares for the upcoming season, he is also focused on his goal of participating in the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. With a strong performance in recent ODIs, Rohit aims to reclaim his status as a top player in the IPL, where he has historically excelled. This article explores his fitness journey, recent achievements, and aspirations for the future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 27, 2026, 12:01 IST

Nita Ambani's Encouraging Words for Rohit Sharma

Nita Ambani, the owner of the Mumbai Indians (MI), recently shared a heartwarming moment with star player Rohit Sharma, commending his impressive fitness transformation over recent months.

She visited the team as they prepared for their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday. In a video shared on MI's official social media account, Nita exclaimed, "My goodness, Rohit, I hardly recognized you! You look so youthful!"

Rohit's Fitness Journey and World Cup Aspirations

Rohit Sharma has made significant strides in his fitness, appearing leaner and healthier. His transformation brought a smile to his face during Nita's visit.

After retiring from Test cricket in May of the previous year, Rohit dedicated himself to enhancing his physical condition to pursue his dream of participating in the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Following a narrow defeat in the 2023 final in Ahmedabad, the 39-year-old aims to secure the coveted trophy in the upcoming tournament set to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Recent ODI Performance Highlights

In the previous year, Rohit accumulated 650 runs in 14 One Day Internationals (ODIs), boasting an average of 50.00 and a strike rate exceeding 100, which included two centuries and four half-centuries. He also performed well in the ICC Champions Trophy, scoring a crucial 76 runs in the final against New Zealand.

Upon returning to ODIs against Australia, Rohit showcased his improved fitness, earning the 'Player of the Series' title with 202 runs across three matches, featuring a century and a notable unbeaten score of 121* in Sydney.

Rohit Sharma's IPL Performance Overview

As the IPL season approaches, Rohit is eager to achieve a remarkable run tally, something he has struggled with in recent years. He ranks as the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, amassing 7,046 runs in 272 matches, including two centuries and 47 half-centuries, with a strike rate of 132.09.

However, Rohit has not met expectations as a marquee player in recent seasons. His last season with over 450 runs was in 2016, where he scored 489 runs in 14 innings, including five half-centuries. His best season was in 2013, with 538 runs in 19 innings, marking his only season with over 500 runs.

Since 2016, he has only had three seasons with 400 or more runs. Over the past nine seasons, he has scored 3,172 runs in 129 innings at an average of 26.00, with just one century and 18 half-centuries. Last season, he managed 418 runs in 15 innings, averaging 29.86 with a strike rate of 149.29, including four half-centuries and a top score of 81.