“Put Four Men On Him… ” Yograj Singh’s Bold Call For Rohit Sharma’s Fitness And Longevity
New Delhi, 17 August 2025: Former India fast bowler turned cricket pundit Yograj Singh has issued a strong appeal for India ODI captain Rohit Sharma to get serious about his fitness regimen — suggesting that the 38-year-old could continue excelling until the age of 45, provided he commits to a daily 10-km run. Yograj also humorously advised: “Put four men on him, make him run 10 kilometres every morning” — a call to push Rohit’s fitness levels to the peak.
Rohit’s Class and Role
Yograj didn’t just stop at fitness advice; he lauded Rohit as a class act in ODI cricket. Reflecting on his match‑winning innings, Yograj said, “His batting one side and the rest of the team’s batting on the other side… That’s his class.” He appealed to Rohit: “Rohit, aapki hume 5 saal aur zarurat hai yaar” — meaning India needs him around for five more years.
Furthermore, Yograj urged the skipper to remain match‑fit by continuing to play domestic cricket, saying that doing so would help maintain his conditioning. He also took a swipe at critics, urging them to stop commenting on fitness or form unless they’d themselves played at competitive levels
Can Rohit Really Play Till 45?
At 38, Rohit Sharma still remains India’s ODI captain and one of the most impactful openers. He retired from T20 Internationals following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory and from Tests in May 2025, but continues to lead the one‑day side.
Fitness, however, remains a hot-discussed topic. Critics have questioned whether Rohit, in the twilight of his career, can sustain the fitness required. Yograj’s advice comes at a time when the talk of retirement after the upcoming ODI series against Australia is being floated in media, though Rohit himself has not confirmed any departure plan yet.
Ex-Coach’s Counterpoint: Rohit Takes Fitness Seriously
Notably, this criticism doesn’t go unchallenged. Soham Desai, former strength and conditioning coach of the Indian team, has defended Rohit’s fitness regime, saying the perception that Rohit doesn’t work hard is “a bit much.” He noted that Rohit’s ability to lead the team at the highest level for four consecutive years, missing only a game or two, speaks volumes. “Can he get better? Yes, 100%. He will be the first one to say that,” Desai asserted.
Rohit’s Fitness Record: Beyond the Headlines
Further adding to context, Rohit sustained a knee injury during the IPL earlier this year. As per Mahela Jayawardene, the MI head coach, Rohit was hit on the IT band and struggled to put weight on the leg during a fitness test — a possible cause behind him missing a match. His ability to manage the injury well and bounce back is another indicator of professionalism.
What’s Next?
With India looking ahead to an ODI series against Australia in October, the spotlight on Rohit’s preparation remains intense. Yograj’s challenge — of a disciplined fitness routine and sustained domestic match exposure — comes at an opportune time. Especially with the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup in sight, keeping Rohit in peak shape could be key for India.
Summary Table
| Thema | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Yograj’s Advice | Push Rohit’s fitness fundamentally — “run 10 km daily”, “put four men on him” |
| Rohit’s Status | ODI captain; retired from T20Is and Tests this year |
| Critics vs Support | Critics doubt longevity; ex-coach defends his fitness ethic |
| Injury Note | Sustained knee injury in IPL — managed carefully |
| Outlook | With 2027 World Cup looming, fitness and form remain crucial |
Final Thoughts
Yograj Singh’s candid call — urging Rohit Sharma to ramp up fitness and remain match-ready — lands at a time when longevity and form are closely scrutinized. Whether Rohit embraces the challenge and pushes toward a 45-year runway for his career remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: if he stays committed, India could well benefit from his experience for many years to come.
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