Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has supported batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating that no one should decide whether or not they can continue.
The reclusive legend shared unique perspectives on Indian cricket issues in an interview with sports journalist Jatin Sapru, which was made possible by tile and stone installation business MYK Laticrete, who hired Dhoni as its brand ambassador.
“Sorry, what’s the question?” he initially made a joke when the topic of Rohit’s (38), and Kohli’s (37), potential participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup was raised, during the nearly half-hour conversation.
However, he soon adopted a more somber tone and asked, “Why not, why somebody should not play the World Cup? For me, age is not a criteria, performance, fitness these are criteria. I always feel nobody should be told anything. But things should be clear that everyone will be treated the same way.”
“When I made my debut I was 24, nobody told me anything and now when I am playing for India for 10 years, 20 years or whatever, nobody needs to come and tell me about my age,” he asserted.
According to Dhoni, a player cannot be deemed experienced unless he has endured pressure for an extended period of time. The 44-year-old, who continues to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, emphasized the importance of having experience in the team.
“Whether Rohit or Virat or other names that will come up in next five years… whether they can or cannot play the next World Cup, it’s not for us to decide, it’s for them to decide. If they keep playing well, if they have the urge to do well for the country, then why not,” he said.
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of India at the moment, has not made a firm commitment about the future of Rohit and Kohli, who currently only play ODIs. According to Dhoni, every player, regardless of age, should be able to maintain his position if he can stay fit and perform.
“Treat everyone equally. People are performing, they’ll be there. People are not performing, they won’t be there…if the guy is not fit you can chuck him out at any point of time. If he’s not performing anyways you’ll check him out. So there should not be any question regarding any individual when it comes to selection. There’s only one criteria. You’re performing, you’re fit, keep on playing.”
