A big World Cup question finally got a clear and powerful response from MS Dhoni. With talk growing around whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will still be part of India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup, the former India captain settled the debate in his own style.
MS Dhoni shuts down 2027 World Cup debate around Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in style
When he was asked about the same at an event, Dhoni lightened the moment by joking around and acting as if he hadn’t heard the question. But quickly, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter switched to serious mode and addressed the future of India’s two most experienced ODI stars.
Dhoni, the only captain with all ICC trophies in his cabinet, stressed that age should never decide a player’s place in the team. For him, only fitness, form, and hunger to perform for the country matter. He made it clear that no one has the right to tell Rohit or Kohli to play or not.
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The former Indian captain believes that if both players remain fit and continue to deliver with the bat, they should be automatic choices for the 2027 World Cup.
Age is not a criterion: MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni told Jatin Sapru at an event, as quoted by The Indian Express, “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—these are the criteria. I always feel nobody should be told anything, but things should be clear: everyone will be treated the same way.”
The legendary cricketer further stressed, “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.
When it comes to whether it’s Rohit, Virat, or other names that will come forward in three, five, or ten years’ time, the whole thing is this: just because somebody is in their 30s, it’s not for us to decide whether they can play the next World Cup. It’s for them to decide. If they keep performing and have the urge to do well for the country, then why not?”
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Dhoni explains why India needs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at the ICC World Cup 2027
MS Dhoni also mentioned the value of Virat and Rohit’s experience, saying their presence could be a huge boost for India in pressure situations. Dhoni noted, “How do you get experienced people, you can’t get a 20-year-old who is experienced unless you are Sachin Tendulkar, treat everyone equally, if they are performing, they will be there, if they are not performing, they won’t be there.”
Dhoni said that real experience comes only after playing for many years, especially in international cricket. He noted that the players usually become truly experienced when they are around 30 to 33 years old; playing only 20 or 25 matches is not enough.
The former Indian captain has explained that experience means playing many tough matches and handling pressure again and again in the crucial matches. Dhoni pointed out that a bowler may face such pressure only a few times, so he might need to play 80 or 85 games to learn how to stay calm, control emotions, handle the pressure, and perform well when the match is close.
