BCCI president Mithun Manhas has said Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should be judged on fitness and performance rather than age as India prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Speaking to Sportstar, Manhas said the final decision would rest with the selectors and coaching staff, but maintained that age should not be a barrier if the two senior batters continue to deliver for India.
“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 debate surrounding the pair’s future has intensified as India begin planning for the next World Cup. Rohit will turn 40 in April 2027, while Kohli will be 38 during the tournament. Both were part of the Indian team that lost the 2023 World Cup final on home soil and will be hoping to feature in another campaign.
The two veterans have already stepped away from Test and T20I cricket, leaving ODIs as their only international format. Their continued presence in the side will depend on how they perform over the coming months, with the selectors also weighing the emergence of younger players.
Manhas also highlighted the value of experience in helping Shubman Gill establish himself as India’s ODI captain. Gill is expected to lead the team at his first World Cup as captain, and the BCCI president believes senior players can help him manage pressure and distribute leadership responsibilities across the squad.
“Having Virat, Hardik (Pandya) and Rohit in the side will definitely help him. Then there are the likes of (Jasprit) Bumrah, who could take charge as the bowling captain, while someone else could lead the fielding unit. So, it is all about distributing the workload,” Manhas said.
He described Gill as a level-headed leader and suggested that the presence of experienced campaigners could prove valuable during high-pressure situations.
India’s preparations will continue with the upcoming multi-format tour of New Zealand, which includes five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. The ODI series, scheduled for November 4 to 15, will provide another opportunity for Kohli and Rohit to strengthen their cases for selection.
Manhas’s comments offer a clear view of the principle he believes should guide selection, but they do not guarantee either player a place in the 2027 World Cup squad. That decision will ultimately depend on their performances, fitness and the selectors’ assessment.
