Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar once again sparked debate during IPL 2026 after making strong comments about the importance of fitness in modern cricket. Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge Podcast, Manjrekar hinted at this Virat Kohli as an ideal role model for senior cricketers and call-up players Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav embracing a more intense fitness culture.
Virat Kohli sets the benchmark for fitness
According to Manjrekar, Kohli’s discipline and commitment to fitness have played a major role in him maintaining elite performances despite being in the later stages of his career. Manjrekar praised Kohli’s discipline and fitness standards while comparing him to Rohit and Suryakumar.
“Take a leaf out of Virat Kohli’s book. Virat is not in his 30s and he has had a tough time in T20 cricket, but look at him this season. What is the difference in fitness between Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli? Take your fitness to the next level. Do extreme fitness like Virat,” he said.
Sanjay Manjrekar questions the fitness levels of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav
While acknowledging the immense talent of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, Manjrekar suggested that both players could be making life difficult for themselves by not maintaining elite fitness standards.
“I thought Rohit Sharma also fell and weakened because he didn’t focus on his fitness as much as he should have. He just made things a little bit more difficult. I see that with Surya as well. He and Jos Buttler were ruling the T20 batting. But then there was this sudden drop in form…the consistency of brilliance was followed by this consistent failure. So I have the mental side to get certain failures in your body. There is something that his preparation has to be like no, if I were his personal trainer, I’d make him lighter, stronger. he said.
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Fitness after 30 is the key in T20 cricket
Manjrekar pointed out that T20 cricket gets tougher after the age of 30 if fitness levels drop a bit. He also mentioned that Kohli owes his success to his constant fitness. The comments have once again put fitness standards and longevity in the spotlight in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
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