BCCI president Mithun Manhas has asserted that age should never be a determining factor for a player’s selection in the Indian team, as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s prospects of featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup continue to be questioned.

The former India captains will once again play a pivotal role as the Men in Blue look to make an appearance in the global event, which will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. However, there exists a certain amount of uncertainty in relation to their roles and positions.

Manhas has entered the fray by speaking up on the issue of selection and stated that the governing body will leave it to the selectors and the coaches to pick the players according to their needs, as long as they are fit and perform consistently.

Mithun Manhas Shares His Perspective on Selection Criteria

Speaking with Sportstar, Manhas underlined the value of experience but added that players have to perform and stay injury-free if they wish to retain their positions in the team.

Speaking to Sportstar, Manhas said:

His comments come after Kohli and Rohit have openly spoken of their intentions of continuing to play international cricket, and it will be their performances in the next few months that will determine India’s stance on the duo.

While their potential absence from the game has been discussed, especially in the case of Rohit, his strike rate and Kohli’s consistency at the top of the order will be vital as the Men in Blue aim to qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

India’s Tour of New Zealand Will Prove to be Decisive for the Duo

India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand will serve as a crucial trial run for the Men in Blue ahead of the ODI World Cup in 2027. In addition to the conditions that will be on offer, the series has also been expanded from three ODIs to a total of five.

As Kohli and Rohit are expected to figure in the line-up for the visitors, their performances will continue to be closely monitored by the fans as well as the selectors.

India will require seasoned campaigners to lead the side in such high-stakes encounters but it will all depend on what the Men in Blue will need at the time and the selection policy that the board will implement.

Ultimately, Manhas has made it clear that Kohli and Rohit’s participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup will depend on their performances with the bat and their fitness levels as the Men in Blue continue to build towards the event.