MS Dhoni Backs Kohli and Rohit: Age Shouldn't Dictate Selection in Cricket

In a recent interview, MS Dhoni voiced his strong support for veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, arguing that age should not dictate their selection in cricket. He emphasized the importance of performance and fitness over age, advocating for equal treatment of all players. As the T20 World Cup approaches, Dhoni also highlighted the strengths of the current Indian team while cautioning about the dew factor affecting gameplay. His insights reflect a deep understanding of the game and the value of experience in high-pressure situations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 4, 2026, 13:17 IST

Dhoni's Support for Senior Players

New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has expressed his unwavering support for seasoned players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He emphasized that no one should dictate their ability to continue playing, while also endorsing the formidable Indian T20 squad's chances of defending their world title on home soil.

In a conversation with sports broadcaster Jatin Sapru, facilitated by MYK Laticrete, a tile and stone-installation company that has appointed Dhoni as its brand ambassador, he shared his insights on Indian cricket.

Initially, Dhoni humorously responded to a question about the potential participation of Rohit (38) and Kohli (37) in the 2027 ODI World Cup, asking, "Sorry, what’s the question?" However, he quickly shifted to a serious tone, questioning, "Why shouldn’t they play in the World Cup?"

He stated, "For me, age is not a criterion; performance and fitness are what matter. I believe no one should be told what to do, but it should be clear that everyone is treated equally."

Reflecting on his own career, Dhoni noted, "When I debuted at 24, no one questioned me, and now, after playing for India for over a decade, my age should not be a concern."

At 44, Dhoni continues to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and highlighted the importance of experience in the team.

He remarked, "Whether it’s Rohit, Virat, or others who may emerge in the next five years, it’s their decision to play in the next World Cup. If they perform well and have the desire to contribute to the country, then why not?"

Dhoni emphasized that experience cannot be replaced, stating, "You can’t find a 20-year-old with experience unless it’s someone like Sachin Tendulkar. Experience comes from playing at a young age, around 16 or 17."

He further explained that true experience is gained by handling pressure over time, saying, "If you consider 20 or 25 games as experience, that’s not enough. You need players who have been under pressure for a significant period."

He added, "I had to play 80 or 85 games to learn how to manage my emotions and handle pressure. A balance of experience and youth is crucial."

Current head coach Gautam Gambhir has been vague about the future of Rohit and Kohli, who now only participate in ODIs. Dhoni asserted that any player who remains fit and performs should retain their spot, regardless of age.

He concluded, "Everyone should be treated equally. Those who perform will stay, and those who don’t will be replaced. If a player is unfit, they can be dropped at any time. Selection should be based solely on performance and fitness."

India's T20 World Cup Prospects

The conversation then shifted to the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

As the first Indian captain to win the T20 World Cup in 2007, Dhoni shared his thoughts on the current team led by Suryakumar Yadav, noting that they must be cautious of the dew factor during this season.

"This is one of the most dangerous teams... they possess all the qualities of a good team, especially in terms of experience in this format," he stated.

He expressed concern about dew, saying, "Dew can significantly alter the game. It was always a worry for me, as it makes the toss crucial."

Dhoni added, "Injuries should be avoided, and players must fulfill their roles. If that happens, I don’t want to jinx it, but this team is indeed one of the most formidable."