In a world obsessed with youth and speed, a familiar voice from Ranchi has cut through the noise with a powerful message of experience and meritocracy. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni has firmly backed his successors, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to chase their dream of playing in the 2027 World Cup, delivering a clear verdict: “Is age a factor? No.”
Dhoni’s stance isn’t just nostalgic support; it’s a strategic argument rooted in the realities of high-performance sport. He believes that if these two batting titans can maintain their form and fitness, their invaluable experience could be India’s secret weapon on the global stage.
Speaking candidly, MS Dhoni dismissed the notion that chronological age should be the primary criterion for selection. His philosophy is refreshingly simple and brutally effective: focus on what truly matters in the middle of the pitch.
“Why shouldn’t they play it? The age is not a criteria, it’s the performance and fitness,” Dhoni was quoted as saying [[10]].
This perspective shifts the conversation away from speculation about birth certificates and towards tangible metrics like runs scored, wickets taken, and physical readiness. For Dhoni, a player who defied age norms himself, the mental fortitude and tactical acumen that come with years of international cricket are assets that cannot be easily replicated by younger talent alone. He emphasized that experienced players offer “invaluable guidance to younger teammates,” a crucial element in the pressure-cooker environment of a World Cup [[6]].
The upcoming 2027 World Cup will be a historic event, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October to November 2027 [[29]]. While the venues promise a unique challenge, the spotlight for Indian fans will be firmly on the ages of their star batsmen.
By the time the tournament begins:
These numbers have fueled intense debate. Critics argue that the modern game’s relentless pace and demanding schedule may be too much for players in their late 30s. However, Dhoni’s endorsement suggests that the final decision should rest on their bodies and bats, not their birthdays.
As of early 2026, both players have shown they are far from being past their prime. Their commitment to fitness is legendary, particularly Virat Kohli’s, whose disciplined lifestyle is a benchmark in the sport [[26]].
Rohit Sharma continues to be a dominant force in white-ball cricket. In 2025, he was instrumental in India’s campaigns across formats, showcasing his ability to adapt and lead [[13]]. His ODI record remains one of the most decorated in history, holding the record for the most double centuries and sixes in the format [[19]].
Virat Kohli, meanwhile, had a stellar 2025, finishing as India’s leading ODI run-getter with 651 runs at an average above 65 [[28]]. His 2026 has started on a strong note as well, with a century already to his name in the new year, proving his hunger and class remain undimmed [[21]]. With over 11,000 ODI runs at a staggering average of nearly 60, his statistical case for selection is rock-solid [[27]].
Beyond the stats, Dhoni’s backing highlights a critical, often overlooked aspect of team dynamics: leadership and composure under fire. A World Cup is not won on paper; it’s won in moments of extreme pressure—tight chases, tricky chases, or defending modest totals.
Having players like Rohit and Virat, who have been in every conceivable situation on a cricket field, provides a psychological anchor for the entire squad. Their presence can steady a young bowler’s nerves or guide a rookie batter through a tricky phase. This intangible value is something Dhoni, a master tactician himself, understands better than most. It’s this blend of skill, experience, and calmness that he believes is worth its weight in gold for a title-contending team.
For more on how veteran leadership shapes teams, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:veteran-leadership-in-cricket].
MS Dhoni’s message is clear and empowering. The path to the 2027 World Cup for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli isn’t blocked by their age; it’s paved by their own dedication to performance and fitness. The onus is now on them to prove, through their actions on the field and in the gym, that they can meet the immense physical and mental demands of the tournament.
While the selectors will have a complex puzzle to solve, balancing youth and experience, Dhoni’s words serve as a reminder that greatness in sport often transcends conventional timelines. The final chapter of their ODI careers is theirs to write, and if they have their way, it will culminate on the grandest stage of all in 2027.
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