as a road map for 2027 ICC ODI World Cup The future of India’s veteran stalwarts is taking shape, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohlibecame a central topic in cricket circles. With the legendary duo moving away from T20Is and Test matches (which will retire from the longest format in May 2025), they are now committed to only 50-over games. Although debate over their age and longevity continues, no one else has MS Dhoni stepped forward to offer a masterclass in the prospect of their participation in the next global show.
MS Dhoni reflects on Virat Kohli’s potential appearance in the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rohit Sharma
During a high-profile interaction with a celebrity commentator Jatin Sapru On February 4, 2026, Dhoni silenced critics who relied heavily on the age factor. The former World Cup-winning captain emphasized that a player’s birth certificate should never be the primary tool for selection.
“Is age a factor? No. Is fitness a factor? Yes, fitness is a factor. Even if you’re 22, if you’re not eligible, you shouldn’t be there; There are criteria for playing international cricket. As for whether it’s Rohit, Virat or any other names that will emerge in three, five or ten years, that’s it: just because someone is 30 years old, it’s not our job to decide whether he can play in the next World Cup. It’s up to them to decide. If they continue to perform and have the will to do good for the country, why not?” Dhoni asserted.
Dhoni argued that if a player – whether 24 or 38 – maintains elite fitness and continues to put in match-winning performances, they have earned the right to decide whether to leave. He emphasized a critical, often overlooked element: experience. Dhoni pointed out that high-pressure situations, especially in World Cups, require the level of emotional control that comes from playing only 80 to 85 high-stakes games.
“You can’t get an experienced 20-year-old unless it’s Sachin Tendulkar“,” Dhoni noted, adding that the wisdom of those in their 30s is vital to tame the heart and control the pressure pump that leads to death. His stance serves as a subtle reminder to the BCCI and selectors that prematurely replacing class with youngsters can often backfire on the world stage.
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Kohli and Rohit’s recent form in ODIs
The statistical performance of both the players in the 2025-26 cycle provides a convincing basis for Dhoni’s argument. Far from being worn out, Kohli stepped into the second over. In the last nine ODIs, Kohli has scored a staggering total 616 runs on average 88.00including three centuries and three fifties. His superiority was most visible during the opposing series South AfricaWhere he hammers two hundred, proving his hunger for the game remains insatiable.
Rohit, on the other hand, was proud recently Padma Shri 2026continues to be a force at the top of the order. Despite the thin patch in the January series against New Zealand While he managed just 61 runs, his calendar year total of 2,025 was remarkable. Rohit scored 650 runs At an average of 50.00, Kohli matches stroke-for-stroke and takes India to one ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory.
Both players have also been active in domestic cricket Vijay Hazare trophy stay ready for the match. With Kohli currently boasting an ICC ranking in the top five and Rohit reaching the milestone of 20,000 international runs, their latest form would see them not only participate but also win India’s biggest match if the 2027 World Cup were held today.
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