There are moments in sport when age becomes the centre of conversation instead of performance. Cricket, more than any other game, often draws a line between experience and youth. As India prepares for their three-match ODI series in Australia starting October 19, that discussion returns. This time, fans and experts focus on two familiar names — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both have proved themselves as match-winners, yet people often judge them because of their age.
During an Express Adda session on Friday, India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav shared his thoughts on this topic. He spoke with Anant Goenka and Devendra Pandey of The Indian Express. He made it clear that age never overshadows performance. India's T20I captain said that if a player keeps delivering what the team needs, age means nothing.
To explain his point, he mentioned James Anderson. The English bowler still performs for Lancashire even in his forties. He said that performance decides how long a player stays in the game. Suryakumar, now 35, shows that determination and consistency keep a career alive.
The debate about age and performance follows Indian cricket year after year. Fans and selectors often ask tougher questions to senior players. However, Suryakumar’s words remind everyone that quality lasts when discipline and passion stay strong.
“According to me, age is just a number. If you are scoring runs and doing everything your team wants, then it is just a number.”
“I was reading about James Anderson recently. He is 45–46 right now, and he recently renewed his contract with Lancashire.”
“So I think age is just a number. If you are doing well, then it is in your hands how long you want to play.”
A reunion that could reshape India’s plans
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the ODI squad for the Australian series to add strength and balance to a new phase under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. They come back after a break since the Champions Trophy victory earlier this year. Their return creates a solid mix of experience and youth. Rohit has worked hard on his fitness, while Kohli sharpened his timing and focus before chasing another milestone.
Kohli now stands close to breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s century record in ODIs. Rohit prepares to play his 500th international match. Both players show endurance and hunger, not decline. Their presence gives young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal confidence and stability. The upcoming games in Perth and beyond will test skill and mindset.
Experience keeps guiding Indian cricket forward. As Suryakumar said, cricket stays young for those who keep their passion burning.
