The game of cricket sees a lot of fit players battle it out in the middle of the pitch. There have been some players who have been able to remain fit even after bowing out of the game and age does not seem to catch up with them. Here is a comparison of five cricketers whom you thought were older than they look:
Flintoff (39) v/s Ben Stokes (26)
Two of the brightest all-rounders produced from England, Stokes and Flintoff are also two of the most popular cricketers in the world. However, Flintoff, despite being nearly 40, looks fresh as ever thanks to his intense fitness regime. Stokes, despite being really fit, looks like he’s already done with his playing career and has started his post-retirement party.
Stokes is still one of the best cricketers England have at the moment and maybe it’s the beard that makes him look so?
Sachin Tendulkar (44) v/s MS Dhoni (35)
Legendary players who have ever represented India, Dhoni and Sachin also look like they’ve switched ages. Dhoni, having carried the burden of the Indian team on his shoulders for nearly a decade, looks like the job has really gotten to him. Greying beard and hair, wrinkles and a tired appearance would not suit any other person, but Dhoni seems to be pulling it off with style.
Sachin may have retired close to 4 years ago but his youthful looks and charming persona make him seem much younger than he actually is. The Little Master is charmer, on and off the field.
Steven Smith (28) v/s Glenn Maxwell (28)
Two players in the current Australian setup, Smith and Maxwell may be the same age but look years apart in appearance. Firstly, Smith still looks like a teenage kid – fresh faced, blonde hair and a soft voice. Maxwell looks like he’s in the twilight of his career with his scraggly beard. However, the two of them are the same age and possess superb talent between them.
Maxwell is also berated by many of his teammates for having the hairiest arms and body, a joke that has spread outside the dressing room as well.
Parthiv Patel (32) v/s Shikhar Dhawan (31)
If one were to glance at Parthiv Patel and Shikhar Dhawan right next to each other, they could be forgiven for thinking Dhawan is the elder of the two. With his big twirly moustache and beard, Dhawan looks much older than just 31.
Parthiv on the other hand still has the same baby-faced look that won hearts all over the country during his debut in the team back in 2004.
Quinton de Kock (24) v/s Rashid Khan (18)
South Africa’s young batting sensation, Quinton de Kock is one of the most exciting batsmen to watch, in world cricket. De Kock made his international debut at a very young age and he’s already played 4 years of international cricket. Now, if we look at De Kock, he still looks not more than 20. He has that boy-like look.
On the other hand, we have Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashi Khan, who is just 18 and made his debut at the age of 16. Now, unlike De Kock, Rashid looks much older than his actual age.
Mohammed Shami (27) v/s Mushfiqur Rahim (29)
India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami is 27 years old and he looks much older than that. Shami made his debut at the age of 24 but his career has been hampered with lots of back-to-back injuries.
On the other hand, former Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim is 29 years old but he looks not more than 22. He has a very boy-like look and even after playing 12 years of international cricket, he still looks the same.
Brett Lee (40) v/s George Bailey (34)
Australia’s most dashing speedster Brett Lee is one of the handsome and stylish players in the history of the game. From his hairstyles to celebrations, he was a star during his playing days. Lee retired from all forms of cricket couple of years and he is 40 years old. Yes, the good old Binga is 40. Honestly, guys, he looks not more 30.
On the other hand, Lee’s former teammate George Bailey is just 34 years old and he looks 40.
By Rohit Nair
