Kapil Dev asserts that a cricketer reaches their peak performance between the ages of 26 and 34.
Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev believes that cricketers should play as long as they are fit and enjoying the game. Answering a question on when current Team India stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should retire, he said that it is up to them to decide.
Virat will turn 36 this November, while Rohit Sharma marked his 37th birthday in April. Both announced their retirement from T20 international cricket following India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the US, but they remain active in the other two formats.
On the big question of Rohit and Kohli’s retirement timing, Kapil Dev told the media
“Shastri retired young, whereas Sachin had a lengthy career, highlighting that lifestyle choices are personal. I believe the key is to enjoy the game, stay fit, and keep playing.”
However, Kapil believes that a cricketer is at his peak between the ages of 26 and 34. The 1983 World Cup-winning captain said,
“In my opinion, the period between 26 and 34 is your best age and after that the fitness of the players will ensure their longevity.”
Kapil Dev retired at the age of 35
Kapil retired from international cricket in 1994 at the age of 35. In his illustrious career, he played 131 Tests and 225 ODIs, taking 434 and 253 wickets respectively. With the bat, the aggressive batsman scored 5,248 runs in Tests and 3,783 runs in ODIs.
How will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli perform in international cricket in 2024?
If we look at the international records of the two giants of India in 2024, Rohit has played 21 matches (27 innings) and scored 1,001 runs at an average of 41.70, including three centuries and six half-centuries. As for Kohli, he has scored 319 runs in 15 matches (17 innings) at an average of 18.76, including only one half-century.