Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar After making strong comments on the importance of fitness in modern cricket, the debate has once again erupted during IPL 2026. Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast, Manjrekar hinted Virat Kohli As role models for senior cricketers and urged players to Rohit Sharma And Suryakumar Yadav To embrace a more intense fitness culture.
Virat Kohli has set the standard of fitness
According to Manjrekar, Kohli’s commitment to discipline and physical conditioning has played a major role in helping him maintain excellent performances despite being in the latter stages of his career. Manjrekar compared Kohli to Rohit and Suryakumar and praised his discipline and fitness standards.
“Take a page from Virat Kohli’s book. Virat is not yet 30 and has had a tough time in T20 cricket, but look at him this season. And what is the one difference between the fitness of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli? Take your fitness levels to the next level. Go to peak fitness like Virat.” He said.
Sanjay Manjrekar raised questions on the fitness level of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.
Acknowledging the immense talent of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, Manjrekar suggested that both the players have made life more difficult for themselves by not maintaining specific fitness standards.
“I thought Rohit Sharma also lagged behind and became weak because he didn’t take care of his fitness as much as he should have. He just made things a little more difficult. I see it with Surya too. He and Jos Buttler ruled the T20 batting. But then there was a sudden drop in form… consistency of talent followed by consistent failure. So the mental side of things is right there. Just prepare your body to support your intention. I am sure about one thing. His fitness is not what it should be. If I were his personal coach, I would make him light on his feet, strong. He said.
Also read: Top 3 contenders for India’s next T20I captain after Suryakumar Yadav
The key to fitness after 30 in T20 cricket
Manjrekar stressed that T20 cricket becomes very difficult after the age of 30 if the fitness level drops even a little. He also said that Kohli constantly attributes his success to his physical fitness. The comments have once again highlighted the fitness standards and longevity during the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
Also read: Sairaj Bahutule is likely to join Team India’s coaching staff after IPL 2026
