Former Indian Wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani’s Take on Young Cricketers
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Syed Kirmani has shared his thoughts on how young cricketers should aspire to surpass the standards set by batting legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, rather than simply emulating them.
Retirement of Kohli and Rohit
Ahead of last year’s England tour, both Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from Test cricket. Both players had previously stepped away from T20Is following their 2024 World Cup victory, leaving One Day Internationals as the only format in which they continue to shine.
Inspiration for Young Players
“They have set a great example for young players to follow. With impressive records behind them, they serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for aspiring cricketers while they are active. Young players should study how capable they are and the records they have set. Instead of merely wishing to be like players A, B, C, or D, they should aim to be better than them. That should be their primary focus and guiding principle,” Kirmani stated.
Respecting Choices of Stalwarts
Kirmani expressed that criticism often arises from a desire for ‘new blood’ in the system. He emphasized that the decision for stalwarts to retire should be entirely up to them, highlighting the importance of their experience and legacy. He encouraged fans and critics alike to respect the choices of these seasoned players.
“They should keep playing if they’re enjoying cricket. Critics will always criticise, and they want new blood in the game. Everyone desires fresh players, so there’s no reason for concern. Let them decide for themselves. Their experience is a valuable support to the team, and seasoned players are always needed. We should not discourage them.”
Kirmani further added, “Leave the decision on when to retire to them. Domestic cricket also helps young players aiming for the national team. Experienced domestic players, whether in Vijay Hazare or other tournaments, can guide these aspiring cricketers. As long as they are contributing, let them be. But they should be allowed to play as much as they can. They are iconic players with impressive records. You can’t just overlook them. As I said, leave the decision to them, let them decide when to retire.”
Future Outlook
While neither Kohli nor Rohit has explicitly announced their retirement plans, there is a widespread belief that the 2027 Cricket World Cup could mark their final appearance for India.