Former India Strength and Conditioning Coach Soham Desai recently shared insights, defending Rohit Sharma’s fitness dedication and lauding Virat Kohli’s exemplary work ethic.
Debunking Rohit Sharma’s Fitness Myths
According to Soham Desai, there’s a common misconception that Rohit Sharma doesn’t put in enough effort on his fitness. Desai strongly disagrees, highlighting Rohit’s impressive track record of leading the Indian team at the highest level for four years, missing only a couple of games.
He argues that such consistency isn’t possible by chance. While acknowledging that Rohit could potentially improve further, Desai insists that assuming he doesn’t work hard is a significant overstatement. His sustained performance is a testament to his fitness efforts.
Virat Kohli: The Model Athlete
Desai spoke with immense respect for Virat Kohli, calling him a “model athlete.” He described it as an honor to coach someone with Kohli’s drive and dedication.
Kohli’s journey to becoming the best in the sport was fueled by sheer will, aggression, and an unwavering hunger for success. Both Kohli and Rohit shared the same overarching vision to dominate world cricket, even if their approaches to achieving it differed.
Contrasting Coaching Styles: Shastri vs. Dravid
During his tenure, Desai had the unique opportunity to work under two distinct head coaches: Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid. He offered a clear comparison of their leadership styles.
Ravi Shastri was known for his precise, direct, and clear requirements. He would outline his expectations, then empower the support staff, including Bharat Arun and R. Sridhar, to execute the plans. Shastri had a keen eye and would notice every detail.
Rahul Dravid, on the other hand, adopted a more structured and explanatory approach. He would first lay out a comprehensive team plan, detailing the objectives and how they would be achieved. He would then define the role of each team member and remain receptive to feedback or potential impacts on the team’s strategy. Dravid maintained a holistic “bird’s eye view” of the entire operation.
Desai’s Departure and Impact on Mohammed Siraj
Soham Desai recently announced his departure from the Indian team, a move met with heartfelt messages from players. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was among those who expressed gratitude, crediting Desai for his belief and relentless support during tough times.
Desai’s influence was particularly significant for Siraj after a challenging start to the year, which saw him left out of the Champions Trophy squad. Siraj admitted feeling “devastated and unmotivated” during this period.
Desai leveraged their strong relationship to have honest conversations, setting up a detailed nine-week plan. This plan meticulously guided Siraj’s recovery, incorporating breaks, gradual build-up to the IPL, and ensuring he remained ready as a standby for the Champions Trophy. This collaborative effort helped Siraj overcome adversity and return to form.
- Soham Desai refuted claims about Rohit Sharma’s lack of fitness dedication, citing his consistent leadership.
- He praised Virat Kohli as a “model athlete” driven by immense will and hunger for success.
- Desai highlighted the distinct coaching styles of Ravi Shastri (direct) and Rahul Dravid (planned and collaborative).
- He played a crucial role in Mohammed Siraj’s return to form after a difficult period, implementing a tailored nine-week recovery plan.
Desai’s insights shed light on the dedication and strategic planning that goes on behind the scenes to maintain India’s top cricketers.
