Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: As India begin to shape their plan for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, former MS captain Dhoni has thrown his weight behind senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, insisting that their future in ODI cricket should be determined by performance and fitness – not age. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!At a recent event, Dhoni made it clear that veteran players should not be written off just because they are in their 30s, especially with the increased scrutiny after both stalwarts retired from Test cricket last year.
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“Why not? The point is, why shouldn’t someone play in the next World Cup? For me, age is not a criteria. Performance, fitness, that’s the criteria,” Dhoni said, adding that no player should be judged on age-related numbers alone. “Does age matter? No. Fitness factor? Yes. Even if you’re 22 and not fit, you can’t play international cricket.” Dhoni emphasized that the decision on longevity ultimately rests with the players themselves: “If they continue to perform and have the drive to do well for the country, then why not? How else are you going to get experienced people?”The World Cup-winning captain also emphasized the value of seasoned fighters in a young dressing room. “You cannot get a 20-year-old who is experienced unless it is someone like Sachin Tendulkar,” he noted, pointing out that experience is gained through years of high-pressure matches. “If people perform, they will be there, otherwise not. If they are not fit, you can fire them,” he added.
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Dhoni’s remarks come as both Rohit and Kohli continue to build their ODI credentials. Since the Australian tour, Kohli has amassed 616 runs in nine matches at an average of 88, while Rohit has contributed 409 runs at an average of 51. With the next ODI assignment scheduled in England from July, the debate over India’s main core heading into 2027 remains firmly alive.
