For nearly five years, Rohit Sharma has been silently enduring a persistent hamstring issue that has gradually impacted his performance on the field.
While admirably leading the team and playing across formats, the injury has limited his mobility and stamina—particularly during long innings—leading to growing concerns over his recent inability to convert starts into substantial scores.
Now, with his recent retirement from Test cricket and a planned exit from T20 internationals, Rohit appears to be strategically narrowing his focus to the ODI format. His long-term goal: the 2027 Cricket World Cup. To ensure he’s physically prepared for that challenge, the veteran opener has decided to undergo hamstring surgery — a move seen as essential for his long-term fitness.
With IPL 2025 nearing its end and India’s ODI schedule relatively light for the remainder of the year, this period offers an ideal window for surgery and rehabilitation. Unlike the constant demands of a multi-format workload, Rohit’s ODI-only focus will allow him the necessary time to recover without the pressure of immediate return.
A source close to the Indian team told CricBlogger, “If Rohit wants to be at his best for the 2027 World Cup, now is the perfect time. He’s delayed the surgery for years due to leadership and scheduling, but finally, the calendar gives him breathing room.”
Based on his recovery timeline from previous injuries — such as a quadriceps tendon surgery in 2016 — experts anticipate a 3 to 4-month rehabilitation period following the hamstring procedure.
Currently captaining the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025, Rohit has often been used more as an impact player than a full-time fielder — a possible consequence of his hamstring condition. While no official link has been confirmed, sources indicate his reduced fielding role and fluctuating batting form may stem from the injury’s lingering effects.
In recent matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia, Rohit’s performance has been inconsistent, further underlining the toll the injury has taken on his game.
As he prepares for surgery, Rohit is betting on a full recovery to extend his ODI career — with the ultimate aim of playing a key role in India’s 2027 World Cup campaign.
