‘Age Not a Criteria’: BCCI President on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Role in Build-Up to 2027 World Cup

BCCI president Mithun Manhas has said that fitness and performance, rather than age, should determine Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s selection for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He also highlighted the importance of experienced players in supporting captain Shubman Gill.

The future of Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remains a major talking point as Team India prepares for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. Addressing the debate surrounding the two senior batters, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Mithun Manhas has made it clear that age should not be the deciding factor in their selection.

According to Manhas, a player’s fitness, current form and ability to contribute to the team should take priority over age. His comments have renewed discussions about the possibility of seeing both experienced batters represent India in the next edition of the 50-over World Cup.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November 2027. With preparations gradually taking shape, the performances of Kohli and Rohit in the coming months are likely to attract considerable attention.

BCCI President Emphasises Fitness and Performance

Speaking to Sportstar, Manhas explained that the final decision regarding player selection rests with the selectors and coaches. However, he expressed his view that age alone should not prevent a player from being considered for the national team.

“From my perspective, fitness and performance should be the criteria for selection, definitely not age. If someone is fit to play, performing well and winning games for the country, that should be the only criterion we focus on,” Manhas said.

The statement indicates that Kohli and Rohit remain eligible for consideration if they continue to demonstrate the fitness and performances required at the international level. However, it does not guarantee a place for either player in the final World Cup squad.

The selectors and coaching staff will ultimately assess the players’ contributions, consistency, fitness and suitability for the team’s requirements before making their decisions.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Experience Could Be Valuable

Both Kohli and Rohit have played significant roles in India’s success in ODI cricket over the years. Their experience of competing in major international tournaments could prove valuable as the team prepares for another World Cup campaign.

Kohli has established himself as one of the most prolific run-scorers in ODI cricket, while Rohit has earned recognition for his aggressive batting at the top of the order. Their ability to handle pressure and perform in high-stakes matches makes their potential involvement in the 2027 tournament an important subject of discussion.

India reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup under Rohit’s captaincy, while Kohli finished that tournament as its leading run-scorer. Both players will be hoping to contribute to India’s efforts to challenge for the title in 2027, provided they meet the selection criteria.

Their experience could also help younger players understand the demands of a global tournament, particularly when dealing with pressure situations and challenging playing conditions.

Senior Players Could Help Shubman Gill

Manhas also discussed the importance of experienced players in supporting India’s ODI captain, Shubman Gill. According to the BCCI president, having senior cricketers such as Kohli, Rohit and Hardik Pandya in the team could help Gill manage the responsibilities of leadership.

“Having Virat, Hardik and Rohit in the side will definitely help him,” Manhas said.

He also referred to the leadership qualities of Jasprit Bumrah and the importance of distributing responsibilities among different players.

Manhas suggested that experienced players could take responsibility for guiding different departments of the team, including batting, bowling and fielding. Such an approach could help the captain manage pressure and make better use of the experience available within the squad.

Gill’s leadership will be an important aspect of India’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup. The presence of senior players, if selected, could provide him with valuable support as he builds a team capable of competing against the world’s leading cricketing nations.

The Road Ahead for Kohli and Rohit

Although Manhas’s comments have offered clarity on the BCCI president’s position, the selection of Kohli and Rohit for the 2027 World Cup remains undecided. Their places will depend on their performances, fitness and the requirements of the team as the tournament approaches.

India will need to balance the experience of established players with the development of younger talent. Maintaining competition for places while building a settled squad will be an important part of the preparation process.

For Kohli and Rohit, the immediate priority will be to continue performing consistently in ODI cricket and remain fit for the challenges ahead. Their experience could be an asset, but selection will ultimately depend on the assessment of the selectors and coaching staff.

Conclusion

Mithun Manhas’s remarks have reinforced the view that age should not automatically rule out experienced players from India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. By placing fitness and performance at the centre of the selection debate, the BCCI president has emphasised the importance of evaluating players on their contributions to the team.

For Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the message is clear: their chances of featuring in the 2027 World Cup will depend on what they deliver on the field. If they continue to perform and meet the team’s requirements, their experience could remain an important part of India’s campaign.