Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has 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 pointed to Virat Kohli as the ideal example for senior cricketers and urged players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav to adopt a more intense fitness culture.
Virat Kohli sets the benchmark for fitness
According to Manjrekar, Kohli’s discipline and commitment to physical conditioning have played a major role in helping him maintain elite performances despite being in the later stages of his career. Manjrekar praised Kohli’s discipline and fitness standards while comparing him with Rohit and Suryakumar.
“Take a leaf out of Virat Kohli’s book. Virat is not in his early 30s and he had tough times in T20 cricket, but look at him this season. And what is the one difference between Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli’s fitness? Take your fitness levels to the next level. Go into extreme fitness like Virat does,” he said.
Sanjay Manjrekar questions Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav’s fitness levels
While acknowledging the immense talent of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, Manjrekar suggested that both players may have made life more difficult for themselves by not maintaining elite fitness standards.
“I thought Rohit Sharma as well fell off and waned off 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 that with Surya as well. He and Jos Buttler ruled T20 batting. But then this sudden drop of form came… the consistency of brilliance was followed by this consistent failure. So the mental side of things is there. Just get your body to support your intent. I’m certain about one thing, his fitness is not what it should be. If I was his personal coach, I would only get him to be lighter on his feet, stronger,” he said.
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Fitness key after 30 in T20 cricket
Manjrekar stressed that T20 cricket becomes much tougher after the age of 30 if fitness levels drop even slightly. He also pointed out that Kohli consistently credits his physical fitness for his success. The comments have once again put the spotlight on fitness standards and longevity during the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
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