MS Dhoni Backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for 2027 ODI World Cup, Says Age Should Not Matter

MS Dhoni supported Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. He said a player’s age should not decide retirement. If a player is fit and performing well, they should be allowed to keep playing for the country. Soon after helping India win the Champions Trophy in 2025, Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket.

Dhoni Backs Kohli and Rohit for 2027 World Cup, Says Age Shouldn’t Matter

Fans were concerned whether they will feature in the impending ODI World Cup. Both the stalwarts have made it clear that playing in the marquee event and helping the Men in Blue clinch the title is one goal they have before bidding farewell to the game.

"Why not? (on whether Rohit and Kohli should play in 2027 ODI World Cup) The thing is, why somebody should not play the next World Cup. For me, age is not a criterion. 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," Dhoni told Jatin Sapru at an event.

The five-time IPL champion said that the two star players should be free to choose if they want to play in the international tournament or not.

“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.