Former India captain MS Dhoni feels that age shouldn't be a criteria for selection when it comes to the squad for 2027 ODI World Cup. When asked about whether the duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in the tournament that is still more than a year away, Dhoni remarked that their selection should depend on performance and fitness.
There has already been a lot of debate around the inclusion of Rohit and Virat for India's ODI World Cup squad despite the tournament still being far away. With both of them still being important figures in the Men in Blue's ODI set-up, they are expected to stay in the team atleast until the World Cup arrives.
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“Why not? Listen, the thing is—why should somebody not play the next World Cup? For me, age is not a criteria. Performance and fitness, these are the criteria. I always feel nobody should be told anything, but things should be clear: everyone will be treated the same way. When I made my debut, I was 24. Nobody came and told me anything then. So now, if I’m playing for India for one year, two years, ten years, or twenty years—whatever it is—nobody needs to come and tell me about my age,” Dhoni said in an interaction with Jatin Sapru.
Dhoni highlights the importance of fitness
Dhoni further emphasised how fitness is a far bigger factor than age when it comes to squad selection. He pointed out how even a young player will not be given an opportunity to play if he isn't fully fit.
“Is age a factor? No. Is fitness a factor? Yes, fitness is a factor. Even if you’re 22, if you’re not fit, you shouldn’t be there; there are criteria for playing international cricket. When it comes to whether it’s Rohit, Virat, or other names that will come forward in three, five, or ten years’ time, the whole thing is this: just because somebody is in their 30s, it’s not for us to decide whether they can play the next World Cup. It’s for them to decide. If they keep performing and have the urge to do well for the country, then why not?" Dhoni added.
Rohit and Virat's recent performance in ODIs
Rohit and Virat have contrasting forms when it comes to ODIs. While the latter has maintained a terrific form ever since returning to international cricket in October, things haven't been the same for the former. Though Rohit was fantastic in the series against Australia and also registered two fifties in the assignment against South Africa, his form dipped in the series against New Zealand. He was able to score just 61 runs in the three matches. On the other hand, Virat proved to be sensational in the home assignments against both the Proteas and the Kiwis, scoring three hundreds and two fifties.