KKN Gurugram Desk | In a startling revelation, it has come to light that Rohit Sharma, captain of India’s ODI team, has been playing through chronic hamstring pain for the past five years. Known for his calm demeanor and playful nature on the field, few realized the physical toll the injury had been taking on the cricketing icon.

Now, with the conclusion of IPL 2025 and his recent retirement from Test cricket, Rohit is set to undergo surgical intervention aimed at long-term recovery. The timing is seen as strategic, aligning with his goal to lead India in the 2027 ICC World Cup in peak condition.

 The Injury: Persistent Hamstring Trouble Since 2019

Rohit’s recurring hamstring issue dates back to 2019, often flaring up during high-intensity tournaments and international tours. Although he missed several matches due to “niggles” or “fitness concerns,” the full extent of the injury was never publicly confirmed until now.

Key Impacts:

• Missed matches in bilateral series and IPL fixtures

• Frequent fitness assessments and rest periods

• Limited running and fielding capacity, especially in Tests

• Gradual impact on performance consistency

Despite this, Rohit continued to serve Indian cricket across all formats with leadership, maturity, and class.

 Why Surgery Now?

According to sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Rohit’s personal medical team, the decision to proceed with surgery was not taken lightly.

Reasons for Delaying Surgery Earlier:

• Continuous national and franchise commitments

• Captaincy responsibilities in all formats

• High-pressure tournaments like:

  • 2021 T20 World Cup

  • 2023 ODI World Cup (hosted in India)

  • World Test Championship (WTC) cycles

Now, with no major ODI series in the immediate calendar and freedom from Test cricket, Rohit has the ideal window for surgical recovery and rehabilitation.

“He’s prioritized the team for years. It’s time he prioritizes his body now,” said a source familiar with the matter.

 Tentative Timeline for Surgery and Recovery

As per current reports, Rohit’s hamstring surgery is expected between June and July 2025. This timeline offers a recovery period of three to four months, similar to his previous surgery in 2016 for a quadriceps tendon injury.

 Eyes on the Prize: 2027 ICC World Cup

Insiders believe that Rohit’s decision is directly influenced by his ambition to lead Team India in the 2027 ODI World Cup, to be hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

At 40, Rohit will be one of the senior-most players, but with a proven track record and experience, his leadership will be invaluable — provided he is fully fit.

“He wants to go out on a high. The 2027 World Cup could be his swansong — and a victorious one if things go well,” said a BCCI selector.

 Fitness, Age, and Indian Cricket’s Changing Dynamics

The post-2023 World Cup period has seen Indian cricket undergo a transitional phase, with growing emphasis on:

• Youth and athleticism

• Fitness benchmarks (Yo-Yo Tests, etc.)

• Rotational policies for workload management

Rohit, along with other seniors like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, has faced growing pressure to maintain elite-level fitness amid an increasingly demanding cricket calendar.

This surgical step not only aims to prolong his international career, but also ensures he can lead by example when it comes to fitness standards.

 What Experts Say

Former Players:

• Sunil Gavaskar: “Rohit’s fitness is as crucial as his form. If this surgery gives him relief, we could see the Rohit of 2019 again.”

• Irfan Pathan: “It’s a brave decision. Better late than never.”

Medical Experts:

• “Hamstring surgeries require precision and patience. If done correctly, the player can return to full functionality within 4–5 months,” said a sports orthopaedic surgeon from Mumbai.

 What It Means for Team India

With Rohit temporarily unavailable post-IPL 2025, India’s white-ball setup may see:

• Interim leadership handed to players like Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, or Shubman Gill

• Opportunity for young openers like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, or Abhishek Sharma to solidify their positions

But the long-term roadmap remains clear: a fully fit Rohit Sharma leading a well-balanced, World Cup-ready squad in 2027.

 Rohit’s Journey Through Injury: A Timeline

 Mental Resilience Amid Physical Strain

Rohit’s ability to captain, score centuries, and motivate a team while silently battling physical pain speaks volumes about his mental strength.

Despite being one of the most scrutinized figures in Indian cricket, he remained composed and delivered match-winning performances, including:

• 5 centuries in the 2019 World Cup

• Leading India to WTC Finals and Asia Cup wins

• Multiple IPL championships with Mumbai Indians