Should Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play ODI World Cup 2027? Check details
Former India captain MS Dhoni has voiced strong support for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue representing India at the highest level and feature in the ODI World Cup 2027, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Dhoni firmly dismissed the idea that age should dictate a player’s future, stressing that longevity in international cricket must be determined by fitness, form, and commitment rather than birth certificates. According to Dhoni, as long as a player remains physically fit and continues to deliver performances that benefit the team, there should be no pressure to step aside. He emphasized that experienced players bring invaluable composure, leadership, and match awareness, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the World Cup.
MS Dhoni reacts to the possibility of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing the ODI World Cup 2027
In MS Dhoni's view, no cricketer should be told when to retire if they are still contributing meaningfully to the team’s success. Following India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2025, both Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from Test cricket, a decision that sparked speculation about their future in the limited-overs formats. However, the duo has since made their intentions clear, expressing a strong desire to play in the ODI World Cup 2027 and help India lift the coveted trophy before eventually calling time on their illustrious careers.
"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," stated former Indian captain MS Dhoni.
The five-time Indian Premier League (IPL)-winning captain further reinforced his stance by stating that the decision to feature in a global tournament like the World Cup should rest solely with the players themselves. According to him, icons such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have earned the right to choose their own timelines, having consistently delivered for the country across formats and over many years. He emphasized that players of their stature possess the self-awareness and professionalism required to assess their physical readiness, form, and motivation.
Dhoni stressed that forcing decisions based on age or external pressure can be counterproductive, particularly for seasoned cricketers who understand their bodies and responsibilities better than anyone else. He added that senior players often bring more than just runs to the table, offering leadership, calmness in pressure situations, and invaluable guidance to younger teammates during major tournaments. The former India skipper also noted that global events demand not just skill but experience, something that cannot be replicated overnight. In his view, if Kohli and Rohit feel they are capable of contributing meaningfully and are willing to put in the required effort, there should be no barriers to their selection. Ultimately, he believes the final call should be theirs, free from speculation or outside interference.
“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 concluded.
