Age is often seen as a formidable opponent in the world of professional sports, where young talents constantly emerge, vying for the spotlight. However, in the case of cricket, two Indian stalwarts have defied the sands of time and continue to shine brightly – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. These two superstars have not only been the backbone of Team India’s batting lineup for over a decade but have also set numerous records and milestones.
Rohit Sharma often hailed as the ‘Hitman,’ has been a force to reckon with in international cricket. Currently serving as India’s all-format captain, Rohit has shouldered the responsibility with grace and skill. In the recent match against Sri Lanka, Rohit achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second-fastest batter to accumulate 10,000 runs in the 50-over format. This achievement speaks volumes about his consistency and ability to adapt to different formats.
Virat Kohli, India’s poster boy, has set numerous records throughout his illustrious career. Recently, he became the fastest batter to complete 13,000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Kohli’s dedication to fitness and his relentless pursuit of excellence have made him one of the most respected cricketers globally.
The cricketing world’s attention is now focused on the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, where Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will lead India’s batting charge. As Kohli approaches his 35th birthday in October, questions arise about whether this will be Rohit’s final showpiece event. Will Team India experience a changing of the guards in white-ball cricket after the ODI World Cup?
Former England skipper Joe Root offers a valuable perspective on the matter. He emphasizes that age should not be the sole criterion for evaluating a player’s potential. Root points out examples like Chris Gayle, who excelled in T20 cricket despite being considered older.
“I think it’s very dangerous just to write off players like Virat and Rohit because of their age. Look at how long Chris Gayle, for example, played T20 cricket. Some of the best players in the world have gone longer, especially in T20 cricket, and have been wonderful with their performances. As long as you’re fit, you go on and play,” Root told the Times of India.
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Kohli and Rohit have once again demonstrated their prowess by leading India to the final of the Asia Cup 2023. Rohit’s Team India is set to face either defending champions Sri Lanka or arch-rivals Pakistan in the summit clash of the continental tournament. Their performances in high-pressure situations continue to amaze fans and critics alike.
To further illustrate the point that age is not a barrier in cricket, Joe Root cites the example of James Anderson. The legendary fast bowler, despite being over 40, still leads the pace attack for England. Root praises Anderson’s experience, skill, and exceptional performance, emphasizing that age should not overshadow a player’s talent and ability.
“Jimmy Anderson is a perfect example you look at. He is over 40, he’s still performing exceptionally well. We’re very fortunate that we’ve not lost out on that because we think he’s too old. He’s still playing and he’s still leading our attack. And we’re using all that experience and skill to our advantage. We’re seeing him as a talent and ability and a wonderful player on his own,” added Root, who has played 135 Tests and 161 ODIs for England.
