Former India captain MS Dhoni has shared a clear view on team selection, saying that for a tournament as big as the World Cup, age should not be the deciding factor. Instead, fitness, current form, and the needs of the team must take priority. His remarks come at a time when discussions are intensifying around the role of senior players ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
According to Dhoni, no one has the right to set an arbitrary end date for a player’s career. If a player is fully fit and consistently contributing on the field, excluding them solely because of age would be unfair. He emphasized that experience can be a major advantage in high-pressure matches, provided the player meets the required fitness standards.
Dhoni also stressed that selection criteria should be applied equally to all players. If someone is not fit or is underperforming, they can be left out regardless of age. However, decisions should always be based on form and fitness, not on how old a player is.
His comments are being viewed in the context of senior cricketers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who continue to deliver strong performances in domestic and international cricket. Experts believe Dhoni’s perspective points toward a more practical and fair selection policy.
Overall, Dhoni’s message is straightforward: the right to play for India at the World Cup should be earned through fitness and performance, not determined by age. This approach could shape selection decisions in the years to come.
