'Performance, fitness – these are the criteria' - MS Dhoni on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's chances of playing ODI World Cup

MS Dhoni backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. According to the former India captain, age of a player shouldn't determine whether he should play or retire. Instead, he believes that as long as fitness and performance are not a concern, a player should not be told how long he can play for the country.

Soon after helping India win the Champions Trophy in 2025, Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket. 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 (Indian Premier League) winner said that the two iconic batters should be allowed to decide whether they want to play the global event.

“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.