England’s star batsman, Joe Root, has rejected the notion that age should be a determining factor in assessing the performance and potential of cricketers, particularly in the case of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Root’s comments come in response to the exceptional performances of Kohli and Rohit in the 2023 Asia Cup, where they have emerged as leading run-scorers.
Rohit Sharma, known as India’s ‘Hitman,’ has been in outstanding form, registering three consecutive half-centuries in the tournament, with his latest masterclass coming against Sri Lanka on a challenging pitch in Colombo. On the other hand, Virat Kohli notched his 47th ODI century during a crucial Super Four clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Root, taking inspiration from cricketing legends like Chris Gayle and James Anderson, advocates for the idea that age should not overshadow a player’s skill and potential.
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“I think it’s very dangerous to dismiss players like Virat and Rohit based on their age. Look at how long Chris Gayle, for instance, has played T20 cricket. Some of the world’s best players have continued to excel, especially in T20 cricket, and have delivered outstanding performances. As long as they are fit, they should continue playing,” Joe Root expressed in an interview with the Times of India.
Root emphasized the age-defying excellence of England’s premier fast bowler, James Anderson, to underscore his point. He noted that Anderson, who is over 40 years old, continues to perform exceptionally well. Root believes that age should not be a barrier to recognizing the talent, skill, and contributions of experienced players. In Anderson’s case, his wealth of experience and skill is an asset to the team, and he continues to lead England’s bowling attack effectively.
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“We are fortunate not to have overlooked his abilities just because we think he’s too old. He’s still playing at a high level and remains a crucial part of our team, using his experience and skill to our advantage. We consider him a valuable talent and a wonderful player in his own right,” Joe Root concluded.
