Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has delivered a clear verdict on the potential participation of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2027 Cricket World Cup, firmly stating that age should not be a barrier to their selection. During an event where commentator Jatin Sapru posed the question, Dhoni initially joked before addressing the topic with characteristic directness.
Dhoni's Straightforward Response
When asked about whether fans will see Rohit and Kohli in the 2027 World Cup, Dhoni responded, "Why not? Listen, the thing is—why should somebody not play the next World Cup? For me, age is not a criteria. Performance and fitness, these are the criteria." He emphasized that players should be treated equally regardless of their tenure in the team, drawing from his own experience of debuting at 24 without age-based discussions.
Fitness Over Age
Dhoni elaborated that fitness is a non-negotiable factor, even for younger players. "Is age a factor? No. Is fitness a factor? Yes, fitness is a factor. Even if you’re 22, if you’re not fit, you shouldn’t be there; there are criteria for playing international cricket," he said. He added that the decision to play in future tournaments should rest with the players themselves, provided they maintain performance and the desire to represent the country.
The Importance of Experience
Dhoni highlighted the value of experience in high-pressure events like the World Cup, noting that it cannot be gained quickly. "How do you get experienced people? You can’t get a 20-year-old who’s experienced unless it’s Sachin Tendulkar. You need people who have been under the pump in their job," he explained. He pointed out that experience is crucial for roles such as batting down the order or bowling in death overs, where handling pressure is key.
Equal Treatment for All Players
Reiterating his stance, Dhoni stressed the need for a balanced team composition without compromising on fitness. "I feel the right combination of experience and youthfulness is very important, but not at the cost of fitness. If you’re 35 and fit, then 35 doesn’t matter. Performance matters equally for a 24-year-old and a 35-year-old," he said. He concluded that selection should be based solely on performance and fitness, with no room for individual biases.
