Fri. Jun 13th, 2025

Usman Khawaja Dismisses Retirement Talk: "Age Is Irrelevant, Still Got Hunger"

Cricket, the sport, like any other sport, has its share of aging legends with their own take on endurance and performance. One such cricketer who, with his calm demeanour at the crease, has put a full stop on any speculations about his retirement has been Usman Khawaja. Khawaja, amid talks about age and switching of teams, simply stated, “Age is irrelevant. I’ve still got the hunger.” This kind of dictum might give us an idea as to what went through his mind and how the perception of age might be changing in professional cricket.

At 37, Khawaja remains among the top-most consistent performers for the Australians. He gave the message that form and fitness are what should govern the player’s decision to continue in career and not so much the age. Let’s now take a close look at his journey and milestones and why Usman Khawaja is still very much an integral member of the Australian set-up.

Rising Above the Noise: Khawaja’s Statement on Retirement

Two things about Usman Khawaja augment any retirement speculation: his front foot and back foot defence. Hence, any retirement speculation would have been met firmly by him. In an interview earlier this year, he calmly yet confidently addressed the speculation about his future by stating, “There’s no point talking about age when I’m still performing. The hunger to play for my country hasn’t died.”

In this era of tremendous upsurge in younger talent and continual rebuilding of squads for tactical reasons, veterans like Khawaja are often made to answer questions on longevity. However, his recent run in Test cricket, in particular, at home and on subcontinent tours, really should speak for itself. He continues to silence critics with the bat, proving that cricketing wisdom and maturity are just as valuable as youthful exuberance.

A Look at Khawaja's Recent Performances

Over the past 12 months, Usman Khawaja has remained the backbone of stability for the Australian batting lineup. Consistent performances during the Ashes and on tours to India and Pakistan show his ability to adapt and deliver under pressure.

His heroic comeback into the Test side after a long time away in early 2022 was a stuff of legends. Back-to-back centuries in the Sydney Test against England set the career of Khawaja afresh and sent out a clear message — Khawaja was back, better than ever.

Since those performances, he has averaged more than 50 in Test cricket and has been rock-solid at the top of the order, forging partnerships that set the tone for Australia’s innings. This resurgence thus led Australian cricket to dominate crucial series, thereby maintaining its standing as a forceful side in Test cricket.

Changing Narrative Around Age in Cricket

Previously, one would expect sportsmen to think about retiring in their mid-30s. However, all that has changed with the introduction of sports science and training methods. Players like Usman Khawaja, James Anderson, and even Virat Kohli in his mid-30s are defying the age barrier and continue to function at elite levels.

Fitness, discipline, and motivation constitute the new parameters that determine life expectancy in cricket. Khawaja’s discipline with fitness, calm composure, and ability to evolve with the game have perhaps made him a role model for aspirants.

It is a good thing for his side, too. The side retains its experienced campaigners, who can shape up the youngsters and bring much-needed stability in crunch situations.

Statistical Snapshot: Khawaja's Career Highlights

Usman Khawaja’s statistics in each format are truly reflective of his talent and longevity in the game. In Test cricket, he has played more than 70 matches, scored over 5,300 runs and averages over 45, making him a natural choice to have a permanent top-order spot in the Australian cricket team, especially in Test cricket. His highest score was 195*, against South Africa at the SCG in 2023, where he showed a master class in concentration and technique.

Khawaja has played more than 40 ODI matches, scoring over 1,500 runs, with an average closing in on 42. He has provided innings stability while rotating the strike, which brings him into play as a dependable option in 50-over cricket too. Khawaja has played limited T20I matches, but his performances in both the BBL and other domestic leagues have kept him in the conversation and shown his adaptability of game.

These numbers give the perspective of not just a statistical contribution but also represent Khawaja as an experienced player for Australia. He often performs in pressure situations and has an ability to perform in those situations which is a fundamental trait for Australia’s continual success of late.

The Hunger That Fuels Excellence

The hunger that Khawaja talks about is beyond just a motivational quote said for the crowd. Khawaja’s body language while fielding, effort in training, and willingness to put up a fight for a position bind a very important recipe of being deeply in love with the game.

While some players slip away gradually, Khawaja is making a strong comeback. This is beyond just filling up a number for the side; he is actively getting involved in a victory. The hunger speaks through long innings from him, building partnerships, and mentoring younger players back in the dressing room.

Such passion is rare and must be acknowledged, especially in an era where talk about mental burnout and workload management have been common.

Fans’ Sentiment: Khawaja Still Has It

For the cricket fraternity, watching Usman Khawaja batting is one of their favourite pastimes. Smooth stroke play, cool-headed presence, and flickers of extravagance continue reminding fans of classical cricket style. Khawaja’s name still has its clout on platforms such as Live Matches, where fans follow live cricket scores, match highlights, and player stats.

The buzz generated around his innings, particularly when he’s inching closer to a century, supports his relevance. The fans like consistency, and Khawaja provides just that, making him one of the most adored cricketers across formats.

His ability against spin and pace bowling combined with his tactical acumen under varied conditions anywhere from Perth to Karachi is a rather exciting prospect for fans and a reassuring one for selectors.

The Road Ahead: Khawaja’s Future with Australia

Although Khawaja might not last for another decade, his immediate future appears secure. With important series lined up, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the possibility of tours to Sri Lanka and South Africa, he will remain a vital cog in the machinery of Australian cricket.

Selectors, too, seem to be convinced of his utility. While building for the future is still a priority, they also realize the importance of balance, and Khawaja does offer that in terms of experience, performance, and leadership.

In fact, his presence in the dressing room has provided an upper hand in smooth transition for budding batsmen. Players like Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green have expressed how valuable it is to have such senior professionals within their ranks.

Khawaja’s Role Beyond Runs

Cricket is more than just runs and wickets; it is about passing on knowledge, dynamics between players, and legacy. Usman Khawaja took on all these roles with aplomb. Off the field, he advocates diversity, representation, and the changing face of Australian cricket.

Being the first Muslim to represent Australia in Test cricket, he has broken barriers and inspired many. As a mature and inclusive voice in the sport, he is respected far and wide.

His multi-dimensional presence ensures that consideration beyond just statistical data becomes important in assessing his role in the team.

Conclusion: Not Just Relevant, But Vital

The debate around age and retirement is not new. But Khawaja’s case offers a fresh perspective. It tells us that cricket is evolving, and so are the expectations from players. As long as someone is fit, hungry, and performing, they deserve their spot.

Usman Khawaja has repeatedly proved that age is just a number. He remains focused, determined, and passionate — the three qualities that define a true sportsman. As fans on Live Matches continue to celebrate his innings, one thing is clear: Khawaja’s cricketing journey is far from over.

So next time someone asks if it’s time for Khawaja to retire, just show them the scorecard. Because for Khawaja, the hunger is real, the form is alive, and age is truly irrelevant.