Overview

• Speaking on a CEAT panel in Mumbai, Sharma described the five-day game as "very challenging and draining" and said success begins with rigorous preparation.
• He underlined concentration and staying mentally fresh as the basis for sustaining high-level performance across long spells.
• Sharma said many young players only later grasp the importance of preparation, learning its value from senior teammates and coaches.
• The 38-year-old ended his Test career in May after 67 matches with 4,301 runs at an average of 40.58, having previously stepped away from T20Is after leading India to the 2024 title.
• Reporting indicates the BCCI has moved to Shubman Gill for the Test captaincy, and a separate outlet reports Sharma is likely to be available for the ODI series in Australia from October 19.