IPL 2026: Sanjay Manjrekar Questions Fitness Standards of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav; Points to Virat Kohli Example

IPL 2026: Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked a fresh debate around fitness standards in Indian cricket, questioning whether senior stars like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav have done enough physically to maximise their longevity and consistency in the modern game.

Speaking on Sportstar's podcast, Manjrekar pointed towards Virat Kohli as the benchmark for elite fitness in Indian Cricket, suggesting that the former India captain's discipline has allowed him to maintain high standards deep into his career.

Kohli retired from Test cricket last year ahead of India's tour of England, and so did Rohit. The duo, having already hung up their boots in the T20Is in 2024, are now only active ODI cricketers.

'Look at Virat Kohli'

Manjrekar highlighted Kohli's transformation over the years and how his fitness standards changed expectations within Indian cricket.

According to him, Kohli's approach should serve as an example for players entering their 30s, especially in a format as demanding as T20 cricket.

The former India batter suggested that both Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav may have made life harder for themselves by not pursuing similar levels of physical conditioning.

Questions Around Suryakumar's Lean IPL Season

The discussion gained attention largely because of Suryakumar Yadav's underwhelming IPL 2026 campaign so far.

After an MVP-calibre 2025 season, Suryakumar has struggled for rhythm this year, managing modest returns across the tournament.

Manjrekar believes extreme fitness standards can help players sustain sharpness, reflexes, and consistency - particularly in T20 cricket where margins are increasingly small.

Rohit Sharma Also Drawn Into Debate

Manjrekar also referenced Rohit Sharma while discussing fitness and longevity in modern cricket.

Although Rohit recently returned with a strong innings for Mumbai Indians, questions around workload, conditioning, and long-term sustainability continue to surface around senior players in the IPL.

The comments are likely to divide opinion, especially considering Rohit's stature and achievements across formats.

Virat Kohli's Fitness Legacy

Virat Kohli has long been regarded as one of the fittest cricketers in the world, with his transformation often credited for changing the fitness culture within Indian cricket.

Even in IPL 2026, Kohli remains among the most consistent batters, continuing to perform at a high level despite years of international and franchise cricket.

His emphasis on recovery, diet, endurance, and athleticism has often been highlighted as a model for younger cricketers.

Fitness Becoming Central to Modern T20 Cricket

Manjrekar's comments reflect a broader trend in world cricket - where fitness is no longer viewed as an added advantage, but as a basic requirement for survival at the highest level.

With longer IPL seasons, increased intensity in fielding, faster scoring rates, and greater workload management players are now expected to maintain elite physical standards throughout the year.

Debate Likely to Continue

While some fans may view Manjrekar's remarks as harsh, others see them as an honest assessment of modern cricket's demands.

The debate around fitness, workload, and longevity is unlikely to fade anytime soon - especially with senior Indian stars continuing to remain central figures in franchise cricket.

And as IPL 2026 enters its decisive phase, performances from players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav will inevitably keep that conversation alive.