Dhoni backs Rohit, Kohli for 2027 World Cup dream: age not a factor
Dhoni backs Rohit, Kohli for 2027 World Cup dream: age not a factor
MS Dhoni says age should not decide Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI future; fitness and form take precedence as India eyes 2027 World Cup.
NEW DELHI: Former captain MS Dhoni has a clear message as India maps its route to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup: age should not determine the ODI future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He argues that performance and fitness are the real criteria, and that experienced players bring priceless guidance to a young dressing room.
“Why should not play the next World Cup? For me, age is not a criterion. Performance, fitness, these are the criteria,” Dhoni told attendees at a recent event. He emphasized that even players in their 30s should not be ruled out if they are delivering on the field and remain physically capable. Decisions on longevity, he said, should ultimately rest with the players themselves: if they keep performing and have the urge to do well for the country, they will be there; otherwise, not.
Dhoni underscored the value of seasoned veterans in a young squad, noting you can’t easily replace experience built over years of high-pressure matches. He added that finding a 20-year-old with the same breadth of exposure is rare, unless a legend is still in the mix, highlighting that experience shapes decision-making and leadership.
This stance comes as Rohit and Kohli continue to build their ODI credentials on India’s road to 2027. Since the Australia tour, Kohli has been piling up runs and providing crucial consistency to India’s batting lineup. Dhoni’s remarks reflect a broader belief in balancing performance and fitness with veteran leadership as India prepares for a long-term World Cup challenge, where both the present and the future have a role to play.
