Dhoni Says Age Not a Barrier for Rohit & Kohli in 2027 WC

February 4, 2026

Former India captain MS Dhoni has weighed in on the ongoing debate about whether batting greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should feature for India in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Speaking at a recent event, Dhoni dismissed age as a deciding factor for selection, saying it should be performance and fitness that matter most when picking players for a major global tournament.

Age ‘Not a Criteria’, Says Dhoni

When asked whether Rohit and Kohli should be part of India’s squad for the 2027 50-over World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Dhoni didn’t hesitate. “Why should somebody not play the next World Cup? For me, age is not a criterion. Performance and fitness, these are the criteria,” Dhoni said, emphasizing that selection should be based on merit rather than how old a player is.

Dhoni pointed out that when he himself debuted at 24, his age was never questioned and insisted that the same principle should apply now to all players irrespective of their age.

Fitness, Performance Over Age

Dhoni stressed that fitness levels and consistent performances should be the benchmarks for selection. “Is age a factor? No. Is fitness a factor? Yes,” he said, making it clear that a player’s physical condition and contributions on the field should be the focus of selectors.

His remarks reflect a broader sentiment in cricketing circles that veteran players, even in their late 30s or beyond, can still add value if they maintain high fitness standards and perform consistently.

Experience Matters at Big Tournaments

Dhoni also highlighted the importance of experience in high-pressure events like the World Cup. He explained that real match experiences the ability to handle pressure and perform under intense scrutinyis something that typically comes with years of international cricket. Younger players, no matter how talented, may take time to accumulate such experience.

This perspective underlines why seasoned campaigners like Rohit and Kohli, who have amassed countless runs and match situations over the years, could still be invaluable to India’s World Cup ambitions provided they remain fit and in form.

Debate Continues in Cricket Circles

The debate over Rohit and Kohli’s World Cup futures has been ongoing, with former players and pundits offering mixed views. While some feel the two stalwarts might find it challenging to maintain the grind of international cricket until 2027, others argue that their batting class and experience are irreplaceable assets for India.

For now, Dhoni’s comments inject a dose of clarity into the conversation, suggesting that as long as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to deliver on the field and stay fit, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be considered for India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad.