Former Indian fielding coach R Sridhar has offered a contrasting view of Rohit Sharma’s approach to the game, stating that the opening batter possessed the same intensity and keenness as Virat Kohli, despite perceptions to the contrary. Sridhar worked as India’s fielding coach from 2014 to 2021, a period during which Kohli predominantly led the side while Rohit played a key role as opener.
Sridhar’s observations challenge the common assumption that Rohit’s demeanour reflected a lack of competitive drive. The former fielding coach emphasised the importance of understanding individual personalities and coaching methods tailored to each player’s temperament.
“Rohit was similar to Virat. Many people would assume, looking at Rohit, that he doesn’t have the intensity or is too laid-back. That’s completely wrong. He had the same intensity and keenness as Virat but just did things differently. It was important to know the person more than the player as each one was different.” Sridhar said on Subramaniam Badrinath’s YouTube channel.
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Rohit thrived on challenge and rejected comfort
Rohit’s approach to practice and training revealed his competitive nature in ways that differed from Kohli’s more visible intensity. Sridhar explained that Rohit thrived on constant challenge and rejected comfort in his preparation routines.
“He was a player who needed to be pushed and had to always be challenged. You had to match his intensity as a coach in a fielding drill or throwdown. He always wanted to be challenged and used to hate comfort-zone practice. Everything had to be outside the comfort zone for him,” Sridhar said.
Sridhar’s observations highlight the varied ways in which elite cricketers maintain their competitive edge. He noted that understanding individual personalities was crucial for coaching staff working with players of different temperaments. The former fielding coach also drew comparisons with other players in the Indian setup, mentioning that off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was extremely curious and would ask questions on everything, and once he had the answers to it all, he would be happy.
Both Kohli and Rohit have since stepped away from certain formats. Both have retired from T20 Internationals in 2024 and retired from Tests in 2025, though both continue to feature in One Day Internationals.
