Cricket is more than just a sport in India—it’s an emotion, a festival that unites millions. With IPL 2025 around the corner, excitement is reaching new heights. This season holds special significance, as several players are making a long-awaited comeback. Among them is Sachin Baby, who is set to return to IPL action after a four-year gap. However, ahead of the season, the left-handed batsman has expressed his pain and struggles of returning to top-tier cricket at the age of 36.
Sachin Baby Opens Up About Age Discrimination in Indian Cricket
Sachin Baby, who will represent Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025, believes that crossing 30 years of age in Indian cricket is often viewed as a setback. In an interview with The Times of India, Baby shared his thoughts on how age affects a cricketer’s career in India.
“In India, turning 30 is almost seen as a crime. Players are often judged by their age rather than their performance. If you look at football, legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are seen as sources of inspiration rather than being labeled as ‘veterans.’ However, in India, we easily categorize players as ‘legends’ just because they cross a certain age.”
Sachin even admitted that he used to feel ashamed of revealing his real age.
“There was a time when I hesitated to say I was 34. I would often say I was 33 instead. But my perspective changed when I saw the way legends like MS Dhoni and Rohan Bopanna carried themselves with confidence.”
Sachin Baby’s Domestic Cricket Dominance
Despite being away from IPL, Sachin Baby has been in outstanding form in domestic cricket, proving that age is just a number. Representing Kerala, he has piled up runs across multiple tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Ranji Trophy 2024-25: A Historic Journey for Kerala
Sachin Baby played a crucial role as the captain of Kerala, leading the team to their first-ever Ranji Trophy final. His leadership and batting prowess were instrumental in Kerala’s historic run in the tournament.
- In the final against Vidarbha, Sachin played a fighting knock of 98 runs, showcasing his class under pressure.
- Though Kerala fell short of winning the title, Sachin’s efforts earned widespread recognition.
The Road Ahead in IPL 2025
Now, as he prepares to take the field in IPL 2025, Sachin Baby aims to silence his critics and prove that experience is invaluable. His story serves as a motivation for countless players who struggle with the perception of age in Indian cricket. As IPL fever grips the nation, all eyes will be on Sachin Baby and his journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming season.