Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stepped into the ongoing discussion about India’s batting greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and their prospects for the 2027 ODI World Cup, making it clear that age should not be a criterion for selection. At a recent event, the former Indian captain emphasized that fitness and performance, not years, should determine a player’s place in the national team.
‘Age Doesn’t Matter’ — Dhoni’s Straight Talk
Dhoni, 44, shrugged off the age factor that has dominated fan and media debates. “Does age matter? Absolutely not. Fitness is what counts,” he said. “If a 22-year-old isn’t fit, he shouldn’t be in the team. International cricket has set standards for a reason.”
The comments underline Dhoni’s long-held belief that current form and physical readiness should outweigh any concerns about a player’s birth year — a stance that could bolster the case for seasoned performers well into their mid-30s and beyond.
Veterans Decide Their Own Fate
Addressing speculation over Rohit and Kohli — affectionately dubbed ‘ROKO’ by fans — Dhoni put the onus squarely on the players themselves. “It’s not up to us to predict if Rohit, Virat, or any future player will be at the next World Cup,” he said. “If they’re **performing and still hungry to play for India, they should keep going.”
Both Rohit and Kohli have recently responded to criticism with significant ODI performances, helping silence doubters and proving their continued value to India’s batting lineup.
Selector Comments Sparked Debate
The age conversation intensified last year after chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted that Rohit and Kohli’s eagerness to take part in another World Cup cycle was uncertain. By the time of the 2027 World Cup, Rohit would be over 40 and Kohli close to 39 — figures that triggered fresh debate over whether age or experience should be prioritized.
Dhoni’s candid remarks now add a respected voice to the argument that experience and skill remain indispensable assets in the high-stakes context of global tournaments.
Balance Is Key, But Fitness Is Essential
Dhoni also stressed the need for a balanced squad, where young talent brings energy and veterans offer wisdom. But that balance, he insisted, “makes no sense if fitness isn’t there.”
“A 35-year-old who’s fit shouldn’t be written off because of his age,” Dhoni said. “The performance standards should be the same for a 24-year-old and a 35-year-old. No one deserves special treatment; if you’re fit and delivering, you’ve earned your place.”
Impact on India’s World Cup Plans
With India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup already a topic of national discussion, Dhoni’s views provide a strong vote of confidence for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — and a powerful reminder that merit, not age, should be the yardstick for selection.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as India’s core batting stars continue to perform at the highest level in the lead-up to cricket’s biggest ODI event.
MS Dhoni Backs ROKO Duo – Performance, Not Years, Key to 2027 Glory
Former India captain backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, saying selection for the 2027 ODI World Cup should depend on fitness, form, and hunger — not age
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stepped into the ongoing discussion about India’s batting greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and their prospects for the 2027 ODI World Cup, making it clear that age should not be a criterion for selection. At a recent event, the former Indian captain emphasized that fitness and performance, not years, should determine a player’s place in the national team.
‘Age Doesn’t Matter’ — Dhoni’s Straight Talk
Dhoni, 44, shrugged off the age factor that has dominated fan and media debates. “Does age matter? Absolutely not. Fitness is what counts,” he said. “If a 22-year-old isn’t fit, he shouldn’t be in the team. International cricket has set standards for a reason.”
The comments underline Dhoni’s long-held belief that current form and physical readiness should outweigh any concerns about a player’s birth year — a stance that could bolster the case for seasoned performers well into their mid-30s and beyond.
Veterans Decide Their Own Fate
Addressing speculation over Rohit and Kohli — affectionately dubbed ‘ROKO’ by fans — Dhoni put the onus squarely on the players themselves. “It’s not up to us to predict if Rohit, Virat, or any future player will be at the next World Cup,” he said. “If they’re **performing and still hungry to play for India, they should keep going.”
Both Rohit and Kohli have recently responded to criticism with significant ODI performances, helping silence doubters and proving their continued value to India’s batting lineup.
Selector Comments Sparked Debate
The age conversation intensified last year after chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted that Rohit and Kohli’s eagerness to take part in another World Cup cycle was uncertain. By the time of the 2027 World Cup, Rohit would be over 40 and Kohli close to 39 — figures that triggered fresh debate over whether age or experience should be prioritized.
Dhoni’s candid remarks now add a respected voice to the argument that experience and skill remain indispensable assets in the high-stakes context of global tournaments.
Balance Is Key, But Fitness Is Essential
Dhoni also stressed the need for a balanced squad, where young talent brings energy and veterans offer wisdom. But that balance, he insisted, “makes no sense if fitness isn’t there.”
“A 35-year-old who’s fit shouldn’t be written off because of his age,” Dhoni said. “The performance standards should be the same for a 24-year-old and a 35-year-old. No one deserves special treatment; if you’re fit and delivering, you’ve earned your place.”
Impact on India’s World Cup Plans
With India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup already a topic of national discussion, Dhoni’s views provide a strong vote of confidence for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — and a powerful reminder that merit, not age, should be the yardstick for selection.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as India’s core batting stars continue to perform at the highest level in the lead-up to cricket’s biggest ODI event.