JYNEWS-The debate over the future of Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli just got a major reality check from the man who knows pressure better than anyone: MS Dhoni. As the road to the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup begins, “Captain Cool” has stepped up to bat for his former teammates, sending a crystal-clear message to Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and Head Coach Gautam Gambhir.
Dhoni’s take? Forget the birth certificates. If they can run, and if they can score, they belong on the plane to South Africa.
Age is Just a Number, But Fitness is Everything
In a recent event that has sent social media into a frenzy, MS Dhoni dismissed the idea that being in your late 30s should automatically disqualify you from the squad. By the time the 2027 World Cup kicks off, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli will be 39. To many, those numbers look like a “retirement age,” but Dhoni sees it differently.
“For me, age is not a criteria. Performance and fitness are,” Dhoni stated firmly. He pointed out a harsh truth that many overlook: a 22-year-old who isn’t fit has no business playing international cricket, so why should a fit 35 or 40-year-old be forced out? For Dhoni, the yardstick must be the same for everyone. Whether you are a rookie or a legend with 20 years of service, if you’re the best person for the job, you play.
The Irreplaceable Value of Experience
One of the most compelling points Dhoni made was about the sheer weight of experience. He argued that you cannot simply “manufacture” an experienced player overnight. In high-pressure tournaments like a World Cup, having players who have “tamed their hearts” and managed their emotions over 80 or 100 international games is a massive advantage.
“You cannot get a 20-year-old who is experienced unless it is someone like Sachin Tendulkar,” Dhoni remarked. He suggested that true experience is forged in the fire of 30-plus years of life and a decade of international play. By suggesting that Agarkar and the management focus on what these veterans bring to the dressing room, Dhoni is highlighting the stabilizing force that “Ro-Ko” provides to the younger generation.
Letting the Legends Decide Their Path
Dhoni also touched upon a sensitive topic: player autonomy. He believes that legends of the game like Rohit and Virat—who have given everything to the jersey—should be the ones to decide when they are done, provided they are still performing.
“If they have the urge to do well for the country, then why not?” he questioned. Since retiring from Test cricket in 2025, both players have narrowed their focus to the 50-over format. This “ODI-exclusive” path allows them to manage their workloads effectively, keeping their bodies fresh for the big events. Dhoni’s philosophy is simple: if the bat is still talking and the fitness tests are being passed, let them play.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Are They Still Elite?
While the selectors have remained non-committal, the statistics tell a story of continued dominance. Since their return to the ODI fold in the recent Australia and South Africa series, both veterans have shown they aren’t just “hanging on”—they are leading from the front.
Virat Kohli has been in “God Mode” lately, amassing 616 runs in his last nine matches at a staggering average of 88. Rohit Sharma, too, has silenced critics with consistent knocks, averaging over 51 in the same period. Even in domestic cricket, the duo has participated in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay sharp, proving their hunger hasn’t faded one bit.
A Challenge to Agarkar and Gambhir
Dhoni’s intervention comes at a time when the BCCI is reportedly looking at “transitioning” the squad. While Gautam Gambhir is known for his “team first” and aggressive approach, Dhoni’s calm logic serves as a reminder that winning a World Cup requires a blend of youthful energy and veteran wisdom.
His final word on the matter was as blunt as a helicopter shot: “If people are performing, they will be there. If they are not fit, you can chuck them out.” It’s a performance-based meritocracy that leaves no room for sentimentality, but also no room for ageism.
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