When should Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire? Here's what Kapil Dev said about a cricketer's prime years

One might often wonder "What defines the prime years of a cricketer's career?"

Kapil Dev, the iconic former Indian cricket captain who led India to its first World Cup triumph in 1983, is of the view that the answer to this lies between the ages of 26 and 34.

But what happens after that? Can fitness alone help cricketers extend their time at the top?


The legendary cricketer's remarks are especially relevant for Indian cricket's modern-day stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both of these celebrated players have crossed the age range Kapil refers to as the "prime years."

Kohli, turning 36 in November, and Rohit, who turned 37 in April, have already retired from T20 Internationals, yet they remain active in other formats.

In an interview with MyKhel, Kapil explained his perspective, saying, "In my opinion, the period between 26 and 34 years is your prime, and thereafter, the fitness of the players will ensure their longevity."

It is to be noted that Kapil Dev himself retired at 35, after an outstanding career that saw him play 131 Test matches and 225 One Day Internationals (ODIs), taking 434 wickets in Tests and 253 in ODIs, along with scoring 5,248 Test runs and 3,783 in ODIs.

So, should players be thinking about winding down once they pass 34? Kapil doesn't think it’s that simple. He believes the decision to retire is a personal one, entirely up to the individual.

Kapil’s philosophy offers a framework for both players and fans to consider, suggesting that while age may mark the end of a prime, it doesn't necessarily signal the end of a career.

What Kohli said on 'continuing to play'

In 2023, Virat Kohli had given a glimpse into his mindset as he reflected on his cricketing journey, especially when he had a not-so-great' time with the bat (between 2019-22 when he failed to score a single ton) and what the future holds.

Speaking with a sense of calm and acceptance, Kohli had acknowledged the inevitable passage of time in the sport. "I cannot hold on to things. The game is going to move on, it's going to keep going on, many players have played in the past as well. I am not going to play forever," ESPN quoted him as saying.

For a player who has dominated headlines and broken countless records, this statement marked a shift in perspective—away from chasing achievements to embracing the joy of the game itself. "So what am I trying to hold on to, what am I trying to protect?" Kohli questioned, reflecting a newfound detachment from the pressures of legacy and milestones.

Instead, Kohli spoke of being in a "happy space," focused on playing cricket with pure enjoyment. "I am just enjoying my game and I just want to play with enjoyment as long as I play," he said, signalling a more liberated, mature phase of his career.

(With TOI inputs)