Dhoni Defends Rohit–Kohli, Says Age Cannot Decide India Careers

Former India captain MS Dhoni has dismissed growing speculation over the future of senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli , stating firmly that age should never be the deciding factor in a cricketer’s career. Speaking during an interaction with sports presenter Jatin Sapru , Dhoni said only fitness , form , and the hunger to contribute to the team should guide selection decisions, not the number on a birth certificate.

Responding to whether Rohit and Kohli could feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup , Dhoni made it clear that the decision must rest with the players themselves. He remarked that when he made his own international debut at 24, age was never discussed, and it should not suddenly become a talking point for players who now carry over a decade of experience . Dhoni emphasized that every member of the team must be treated with equality anyone can be dropped due to poor form or lack of fitness , but excluding someone purely because of age goes against the spirit of fair team balance .

The former skipper’s argument is reinforced by the performances of both batters in the Asia Cup , the continental championship that often mirrors the intensity of global tournaments. Rohit Sharma’s leadership and aggressive starts at the top of the order have repeatedly given India early control in high-pressure clashes, while Kohli has continued to play the role of anchor and finisher . His record-breaking 183 in an Asia Cup ODI and his unbeaten 122 in the T20 edition underline his ability to dominate attacks and manage run chases under pressure. Their consistent run-scoring history highlights how experience sharpens temperament rather than diminishing it.

Dhoni further stressed that experience cannot be manufactured overnight. Apart from rare prodigies like Sachin Tendulkar , most players only learn to manage emotions , pressure , and high-stakes moments after playing 80 to 90 international matches. According to him, the ideal squad must blend youth with the composure of seasoned campaigners, ensuring stability during crunch phases.

Turning to the T20 format, Dhoni described the Indian side led by Suryakumar Yadav as one of the most dangerous teams in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup , backing them as serious contenders for the title . However, he warned that dew conditions could influence outcomes, often favoring the team winning the toss. If India remains injury-free and executes roles efficiently, he believes they will be extremely difficult to beat.

Dhoni also ruled out a future in commentary, joking that remembering statistics is challenging even when it comes to his own career numbers. More importantly, he said he is uncomfortable criticizing players from the commentary box and prefers face-to-face conversations over long phone calls, choosing to stay away from broadcast roles.