- August 13, 2025
Some cricketers slow down as they age. Imran Tahir? He seems to be going in the opposite direction – getting sharper, hungrier, and somehow more animated as the years pass. At 46, most players would be in the commentary box, while Tahir is still in the middle with the ball in hand, bowling his heart out in T20 leagues around the world. If you have seen the man sprint halfway around the ground in celebration, you know he still has more energy than half the players who are half his age.
The Ageless Wonder’s Fitness & Mindset Formula
Tahir’s continued success is not just a matter of luck – it is a mix of disciplined self-care and he is the most remarkable enthusiasm and innocent joy of the game – he knows the grind – weights, sleep, nutrition, and mental preparation, and that time lacing the boots before the run onto the playing field itself.
Interestingly, this provides the value of no cricket being played every day. It is in between tournaments (when he has time) to show up, train, practice, and develop skills without the travel and fixtures.
His thesis suggests that while physical fitness is a factor, for T20 cricket, longevity lies with keeping the mind fresh in competing. Whether he is undertaking the managership of the Guyana Amazon Warriors or simply playing in the Global Super League in Guyana, Tahir’s infectious enthusiasm means he is always coming eager and looking to compete.
Leadership Built on Respect, Not Ego
Tahir’s leadership style is just as unconventional as his celebrations. When he is given the captaincy, he doesn’t act like a king — he thinks it is just an extra hat he will wear whilst remaining “one of the boys”. He has a real emphasis on mutual respect, and that is something that he won’t budge on. Regardless of whether you are Romario Shepherd, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, or a fifteen-year-old trying to get into the XI, Tahir is all about making sure that you feel important.
The people-first value encourages a team culture where players actually seem to be happy for one another’s performance, and this is noteworthy in franchise T20 cricket, where teams have a few weeks together before they start playing, and sometimes in must-win moments.
He is also a big mentor, especially to younger spinners. He admits freely and openly that he found when he was emerging as a cricketer, not many senior players would share their experiences and knowledge to help bring him up to speed. Therefore, it is his aim that no young spinner will miss out in the first part of their career on being taught the googly, slider, or flipper. He is not doing this only through generosity or commitment – he is building a legacy.
Adapting in the Ever-Evolving T20 Game
The T20 game has evolved significantly since Tahir first started playing. Batters now have more range, more data, and more intent to attack than ever before. A loose ball in today’s game doesn’t just disappear for four — it’s often gone three rows back.
What does Tahir say? Keep evolving. His variations, zippy googlies, subtle variations of pace, are all about outsmarting the batter instead of out-muscling them. Rather than solely going on skill, Tahir assesses his adversaries and conditions before he comes up with a plan that fits that “game”.
That’s what gives you longevity versus transient success. He knows that in T20 cricket, the slightest difference in skill is severely punished, and he is working hard to keep closing them.
