Sports · Cricket · 3 hrs ago
BCCI chief says Kohli and Rohit will be judged on fitness and performance
BCCI president Mithun Manhas says fitness and performance will decide whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are selected for India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
The two senior batters, who are 37 and 38, will be judged on their contribution rather than their age.
The tournament is scheduled for October and November 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Manhas says senior players could support captain Shubman Gill with their experience as India prepare for the tournament.
He also described sharing leadership tasks, with Jasprit Bumrah potentially guiding the bowling unit.
India’s selection is up to the selectors and coaches, and Manhas did not announce a squad or guarantee places for Kohli or Rohit.
India’s tour of New Zealand begins on October 22, with the ODI series scheduled for November 4 to 15, giving the pair a chance to play as preparations continue.
BCCI president Mithun Manhas said Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should be selected for the 2027 ODI World Cup based on fitness and performance, not age.
Manhas said selectors and coaches decide selection, while he offered his personal view of the criteria.
He said senior players such as Kohli and Sharma could help Shubman Gill as captain.
Manhas also suggested that Jasprit Bumrah could lead the bowling unit and that team responsibilities could be shared.
India’s ODI series in New Zealand is scheduled for November 4 to 15, 2026.
- Who
- BCCI president Mithun Manhas discussed selection and leadership, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
- What
- Manhas said fitness and performance, not age, should guide selection for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- When
- Manhas made the comments in an interview published on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- The interview was with Sportstar; the World Cup is scheduled for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- Why
- Manhas said players should be selected if they are fit, performing well and winning games for India.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20I cricket.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket.
Manhas’s interview about World Cup selection and senior players was published.
India’s multi-format tour of New Zealand is scheduled to begin.
India’s ODI series in New Zealand is scheduled to be played.
The ODI World Cup is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- Selection criteria
- Fitness and performance, not age
- World Cup
- 2027 ODI World Cup
- Host countries
- South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia
- India captain
- Shubman Gill
- New Zealand ODI series
- November 4 to 15, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
fitness and performance should be the criteria for selection, definitely not age.
It will be extremely crucial.