Cricketer Rohit Sharma has become the focus of internet chatter after a recent photo of him arriving in Mumbai from the UK drew attention to his physical shape. The image, which showed a noticeably bulging midsection, quickly circulated across social media platforms.
Fans and critics alike questioned whether Rohit’s current build aligns with his intentions to represent India in the 2027 ODI World Cup. At 38, the seasoned opener has already bid farewell to Test matches and stepped down from T20Is, concentrating solely on ODIs for now.
The timing of the viral photo was notable, as his next assignment is expected to be India’s limited-overs tour of Australia in October, where he is likely to feature in both ODIs and T20Is. Some netizens expressed concern, while others defended the cricketer, arguing that body structure doesn’t always reflect athletic capability.
Parallel conversations compared his appearance to Virat Kohli’s greying beard, which sparked retirement speculation. The debate created a light-hearted yet heated divide online between so-called “Team Belly” and “Team Beard.”
Despite public opinion, experts and former players have emphasized that performance, not physique, defines cricket fitness. History has seen many successful players with unconventional body types thrive at the international level.
While Rohit has not confirmed his 2027 World Cup plans, he continues to enjoy the game and remains open to possibilities, provided his form and conditioning remain intact.