“For me, age is not a criteria” - MS Dhoni backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play 2027 World Cup for India

Legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni has expressed his opinions on whether experienced hitters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can represent India in the ICC World Cup 2027. During his tenure, Dhoni guided the Men in Blue to victories in the T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and World Cup.

Additionally, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the greatest players in one-day cricket history, are the attention of Indian supporters.

Rohit and Kohli are now limited to playing for India in the ODI format after retiring from T20Is and Tests in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Both of the seasoned players have performed admirably with the bat in recent ODI series in Australia and at home against South Africa and New Zealand, but their participation in the World Cup is still up in the air because Rohit will be 40 and Kohli will be 39 when the competition begins.

“Performance and fitness”- MS Dhoni on why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should play 2027 World Cup

MS Dhoni expressed his opinions on the same matter and stated unequivocally that, in his opinion, a player's eligibility to represent India should be determined only by their performance and level of fitness, not by their age.

When asked by broadcaster Jatin Sapru if batting greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ought to be included in India's 2027 ODI World Cup campaign, Dhoni responded with the remarks.

“Why not? Listen, the thing is, why should somebody not play the next World Cup? For me, age is not a criterion. Performance and fitness are. So, I always feel nobody should be told anything. But the thing should be clear. Everyone will be treated the same way. When I made my debut, I was 24. Nobody came and told me anything. So, if I am playing for India—1, 2, 5, or 10 years—nobody needs to come and tell me about my age. Is age a factor? No. Fitness? Yes,” Dhoni told host Jatin Sapru at an event. 

“Even if you’re 22 and you’re not fit, that’s a problem. Whether it’s Rohit, whether it’s Virat, or even other names that come forward. The whole thing is, just because somebody is in their 30s, whether they can or cannot play the next World Cup, it’s not for us to decide. It’s for them to decide. If they keep performing, if they have the urge to do well, then why not?” he added.

Here is the video:

https://x.com/WorshipDhoni/status/2018904148419453212?s=20

Concerns about playing time are raised by Rohit and Kohli's departure from T20Is and Test matches as well as the fact that they only play one format these days. 

With 616 runs in his last seven ODIs, Kohli has put any doubts to rest, and Rohit is not far behind with 401 from his last ten. Dhoni, on the other hand, has always trusted guys who have done it all because he really believes in experience.

“How do you get experienced people? You can’t get a 20-year-old who is experienced, unless it’s Sachin Tendulkar. You can only get experience if you start playing at 16-17. And international cricket is very different. So now if you want experience, you need people who are 30, 32, or 33. If you’re calling 20-25 games as experience, that’s wrong. If people are performing, they’ll be there. If they’re not performing, they won’t,” added MS Dhoni.

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