Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has sparked a new debate within Indian cricket regarding the longevity and relevance of players. Amidst growing discussions surrounding age and retirement, he has taken a sharp dig at Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Following India’s victory in the 2024 World Cup, which saw them step away from T20Is, and having retired from Test cricket last year, both Kohli and Rohit are now active in only one format. Consequently, with the commencement of the 2026 IPL, discussions regarding their future have intensified. However, in his signature outspoken style, Yograj completely dismissed these discussions, urging the players to let their performance do the talking. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still young cricketers, yet they are contemplating retirement.
Laanat hai zindagi pe. Make the world realise that you are the very best, that things cannot function without you. Even if you turn fifty and are still scoring double centuries, no one will drop you from the team. That is why the ‘age factor’ in this country is quite amusing,” Yograj Singh remarked in an interview with ‘Inside Sports’.
The Ongoing Debate Surrounding Senior Players has Moved Beyond Kohli and Rohit Sharma
His comments come at a time when the ongoing debate surrounding senior players has moved beyond Kohli and Rohit, and has now reached MS Dhoni as well. Questions are being raised regarding Dhoni’s role at the Chennai Super Kings; while some suggest he should be utilised as an ‘Impact Player,’ others believe he should continue playing as a regular member of the squad and bat higher up the order.
Interestingly, Yograj, who has often been critical of Dhoni in the past, particularly regarding the career of his son, Yuvraj Singh, offered nothing but praise for the former Indian captain this time around. He strongly opposed the calls for Dhoni’s retirement and, throwing his support behind him, asserted that he should continue playing for several more years.
Yograj further stated, “He (Dhoni) is still playing, and he should continue to play for the next 10 years. This is because he has proven his fitness through sheer discipline and dedication. Even today, when I look at his forearms, what a magnificent specimen of a human being! Who are people to tell him to retire? Absolutely not. As far as cricket is concerned, I salute him.
” At the age of 44, Dhoni is gradually scaling back his on-field role; he frequently comes out to bat towards the end of an innings to score quick runs while simultaneously fulfilling the responsibilities of a mentor within the team. Following the Chennai Super Kings’ acquisition of Sanju Samson, who is capable of taking over wicketkeeping duties, Dhoni’s role within the squad could undergo even further changes this season.
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