‘I have never been able to understand all this talk about old age’ – Yograj Singh on Rohit Sharma’s age factor debate

Yograj Singh father of Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh. (Photo by Keshav Singh/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Rohit Sharma is gearing up to lead the Indian team at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. But questions have surfaced about his future beyond this tournament. At the age of 37, there is speculation that this marquee event could be the last major limited-overs assignment of his career.

Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh, known for his outspoken views, recently shared his thoughts on Sharma’s cricketing longevity. He criticized the notion that players must retire once they cross a certain age, citing examples of past legends who excelled well into their late 30s and even 40s.

“I have never been able to understand all this talk about old age, If you are 40-42 or even 45, if you are fit and performing well, what’s the matter? People here believe that once you’re 40, you are old, your kids have grown up and you’re done. This player is nearing 40 and it’s time to move on. The truth is that you are not finished,” Yograj told News18 India.

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He could end up playing till 50: Yograj Singh

The former cricketer highlighted the cases of Mohinder Amarnath, who was the Man of the Match in the 1983 World Cup final at 33 years old, and the legendary Sir Garry Sobers, who believed he could have achieved even more had he prioritized fitness. Turning his attention towards Rohit Sharma, Yograj firmly believes that the Indian captain could extend his career well into his late 40s if he maintains his fitness levels.

“Mohinder Amarnath was 38 years old (33) when he won India the World Cup. He was your Player of the Match in the final. It’s time to get rid of this age factor from Indian cricket. Rohit Sharma and Viru (Virender Sehwag) are great players in my book. These have never thought about fitness and training. If Rohit does that, he could end up playing till 50,” he further added.

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“Sir Gary Sobers wrote in his book that if he knew fitness was so important, he would have never gone to parties. So Sobers said, had he focused on training, he would have scored plenty of runs. Age never matters, fitness does,” Yograj concluded.