Former indian captain ms dhoni has made a strong and unambiguous statement on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli potentially playing the 2027 ODI World Cup.
His comments directly counter critics who believe age should determine their future in international cricket.
Dhoni’s remarks underline that performance, fitness, and intent matter far more than a player’s birth certificate.
Age Is Not the Selection Criteria
Dhoni made it clear that age alone should never decide selection for major tournaments.
According to him, a player’s current ability and match readiness are far more important.
He questioned the logic behind ruling out players solely based on age when they continue to deliver consistently.
Fitness and Performance Are Non-Negotiable
Dhoni emphasized that fitness is a basic requirement, regardless of whether a player is 22 or 38.
He stated that even young players cannot represent the country if they are not physically fit.
Consistent performances at the international level should be the primary benchmark for selection.
Desire to Perform for the Country Matters
Dhoni highlighted the importance of hunger and motivation.
As long as rohit sharma and virat kohli maintain the desire to contribute to India’s success, they should remain in contention.
Passion for the game and commitment to national duty were described as crucial factors.
Importance of Experienced Players in Big Tournaments
Dhoni stressed that experience cannot be manufactured overnight.
High-pressure tournaments like the World Cup demand players who have handled intense situations repeatedly.
He noted that teams need a balance of youth and experience to succeed on the biggest stage.
Performance Decides Survival in the Team
Dhoni concluded by saying that no player is guaranteed a place.
If players perform and stay fit, they continue; if they don’t, they are replaced.
The selection process, according to him, should remain strictly merit-based.
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