Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni has put his weight behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Dhoni said age should not be the criteria for selecting a particular player, whereas fitness and form should be the main parameters.

Rohit and Virat have performed consistently in the ODI format and there should not be any doubt on their participation in the ODI showpiece. While Rohit scored 202 runs in three matches against Australia, Kohli scored 350 runs in as many games against South Africa at an average of 150.

Kohli continued his rich form against New Zealand, scoring 240 runs at an average of 80 and a strike rate of 105.26.

“The thing is, why somebody should not play the next World Cup. For me, age is not a criterion,” Dhoni said while talking to Jatin Sapru at an event. “Performance, fitness – these are the criteria. So, I always feel nobody should be told anything. But the thing should be clear. Everyone will be treated the same way. When I made my debut, I was 24, so nobody came and told me anything. So now if I’m playing for India for a year, two years, 10 years, 20 years, whatever, nobody needs to come and tell me about my age. Is age a factor? No. Is fitness a factor? Yes, fitness is a factor. Even if you’re 22 and if you’re not fit, then you have to be fit.”

The 2011 ODI World Cup winning captain said the retirement decision depends on a player and not on what other people think.

“Now, when it comes to whether it’s Virat or there’ll be other names that will also come forward maybe in five years’ time, three years’ time or 10 years’ time. The whole thing is just because somebody is in their 30s, whether they can play or cannot play the next World Cup, it’s not for us to decide. It’s for them to decide if they keep performing, if they have the urge to do well for the country, then why not?” Dhoni said.

Rohit and Kohli will be next seen in action in the upcoming IPL 2026