Harbhajan Singh, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, recently shared his thoughts on the future of two of the country’s cricketing icons: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. According to Harbhajan, both players still have much to offer international cricket, and their continued participation depends largely on their personal decisions. Harbhajan’s comments provide an insightful perspective on the longevity of these senior players, emphasizing their enduring fitness and potential contributions to the team.
In an exclusive interview with PTI Videos, Harbhajan Singh expressed his belief that Kohli, with his exceptional fitness levels, has the capability to continue competing at the highest level for at least another five years. Kohli’s commitment to maintaining peak physical condition is well-recognized, and Harbhajan noted that he remains the fittest player on the team. “You ask any 19-year-old competing with Virat on fitness. Virat will beat him. He is that fit,” Harbhajan remarked, highlighting Kohli’s remarkable fitness regime.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, is also seen as a crucial asset for the Indian team. Harbhajan predicted that the Test and ODI captain could easily remain active for another two years, given his current form and fitness.
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Harbhajan Singh emphasized that both Kohli and Rohit still have plenty of cricket left in them, suggesting that their continued involvement should be based on their fitness, performance, and the team’s success. “If they are fit enough, they are performing, and the team is winning, they should continue to play. As simple as that,” Harbhajan stated.
Harbhajan also underscored the importance of experienced players in Test cricket. He argued that the red-ball format requires the presence of seasoned cricketers like Kohli and Rohit to mentor younger talents and provide stability.
VIDEO | “It is the decision of the individual when to retire. They should understand their bodies and take decisions accordingly. If they are fit enough, they are performing and the team is winning, they should continue to play. As simple as that! And if they are not contributing… pic.twitter.com/WXjpfna8ys
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 12, 2024
“Red ball cricket, you really need these two guys to play a little bit more than what people are asking. You need experience in all formats, whether it’s limited-overs cricket or Test cricket,” Harbhajan Singh explained. He believes that experienced players are essential not just for their own performance but also for guiding and nurturing emerging players.
The former spinner also had some thoughts on the role of selectors in managing the team. He emphasized that performance should be the primary criterion for selection, regardless of a player’s seniority.
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“Selectors need to see, if someone is not performing well, they should be dropped. Whether they are senior players or juniors. But as long as everyone is fit, they should be able to get selected in the team,” Harbhajan Singh said. He acknowledged that as long as Kohli and Rohit contribute effectively, they should be retained, but if they fall short in terms of fitness or performance, it might be time for younger players to step in.
Harbhajan’s insights also touched upon the inherent drive of younger players compared to their senior counterparts. He noted that fresh talent often brings a heightened level of enthusiasm and determination.
VIDEO | “I don’t know how they (Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma) are going to plan their future. Both of them are very sensible guys. I do see a couple of years in both of them to play for India. Red ball cricket… you really need these two guys to play a little bit more than what… pic.twitter.com/MoyFrkoTyN
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 12, 2024
“I always believe that youngsters have much more hunger than the seniors. If you play for 15 years, your hunger a little bit comes down,” he remarked. Harbhajan was particularly impressed by the emerging talents such as Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, who have shown promise and are making significant strides in their careers.
Finally, Harbhajan reflected on the nature of competitive sports, acknowledging that success is not guaranteed. He offered praise for the Sri Lankan team’s performance, recognizing their superior play in recent encounters with India. “It’s sports after all. All teams go through these periods. You play well but you still don’t win. I will give credit to Sri Lanka. They played well. They played better than India,” he concluded, demonstrating a balanced and respectful view of the competitive landscape.
