“You Don’t Get Experienced Players at 20” – Dhoni on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 2027 World Cup Prospects

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni has shared his views on whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could feature in the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Responding to a question during a recent interview, Dhoni said that age alone should never be a qualification criterion. Instead, he stressed that fitness and performance are what truly matter when it comes to selection for major tournaments.

“Why not? Why should someone not be allowed to play the World Cup?” Dhoni said. “For me, age is not a qualification. Fitness and performance are the only real criteria.”

Fitness and Form Over Age

Dhoni pointed out that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have stepped away from Test and T20 formats, are currently focusing only on One Day Internationals. According to him, whether they play in 2027 will ultimately depend on their physical condition and batting performances closer to the tournament.

“If they are playing well and still have the hunger to represent the country, why shouldn’t they play?” he added.

“Experience Doesn’t Come at 20”

Highlighting the importance of match exposure, Dhoni explained that true experience cannot be gained after just 20 or 25 international matches.

“You don’t get experienced players at 20,” he said. “Unless someone starts playing international cricket at 16 or 17, you can’t expect them to be seasoned so early. Real experience comes after playing 80 or 85 matches. That’s when you learn how to handle pressure and emotions.”

Balance Is the Key

Dhoni emphasized the need for a strong mix of experienced and young players in the team.

“The right combination of youth and experience is important. If you perform well and stay fit, you will stay in the team. If not, you won’t. That’s the only qualification,” he concluded.

His remarks have sparked fresh debate among fans and experts about the future of India’s senior stars and the team’s roadmap toward the 2027 World Cup.