IND v SA | Would like to see more senior players give back to the game after retirement, says Vernon Philander
South Africa’s Vernon Philander has called on more of his contemporaries to give back to the game instead of looking for “greener pastures” at the end of their careers. Philander also backed Kohli’s aggressive nature on-field noting that the game, after all, is meant to be enjoyed.
When speedster Morne Morkel followed in the footsteps of Kyle Abbott and Duanne Oliver, by retiring from Test cricket to sign a Kolpak deal with England, it meant that Philander was the last surviving from that generation of South African quicks — with Dale Steyn calling time on his red-ball career as well. While Philander understands and respects the personal reasons behind the decisions, he has called on the seniors to help out a team in transition.
"There comes a time in all our careers that you have to do what is best for you personally. You have to respect those decisions but I think the system is still producing quality players. I would like to see more senior players giving back to the game after retirement. It is easier to find greener pastures but the team needs experienced hands at the moment. Personally, I too have a big role to play in mentoring the youngsters and I am enjoying it," Philander told PTI
As part of a famous bowling trio, Philander went on to take 214 wickets in 58 Tests at an average of 21.64 so far. Even as he draws near to the end of his career, Philander is confident that the younger generation has what it takes to be world beaters.
"Dale and Morne have been champion bowlers. I am the last one of the so called pack but the new talent that has come through excites me. KG (Rabada) has been doing well so far. The bowling depth in South Africa is still pretty good and it is my role to guide the new guys coming through," Philander said.
Meanwhile, Philander was also not short of words of praise for India, whom they are playing in a three-match Test series. He admitted that India’s fast bowling has come a long way under Virat Kohli's aggressive captaincy.
"They have learnt a lot. They have moulded a fast bowling unit to suit all conditions. They have come a long way indeed. Bumrah has set the world alight in the last 24 months," Philander said.
"At the end of the day, you are playing a sport played amongst men. We should allow people to exhibit themselves, the characters of the game. Sometimes we are too soft as sportsmen. Once you step over the ropes you are there to have a bit of fun and you are there to compete. If that is what gets him going, why not? Whatever drives you, whatever gets you the edge as long as it is within the rules of the game,” Philander added.
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