Fitness, performance will decide Rohit-Virat's place in World Cup squad: BCCI president

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be judged on their fitness and performance ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, not their age, BCCI president Mithun Manhas has said ahead of India's tour of New Zealand.

In an interview with Sportstar, Manhas indicated that selection for the World Cup would depend on the two senior batters continuing to perform. The quadrennial tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November next year.

The two veteran Indian cricketers, who retired from T20I and Test cricket in the last 24 months, are hoping to play one last ODI World Cup,



having been part of the Indian team that lost the final of the previous edition.

“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.

India are set to begin a multi-format tour of New Zealand on October 22, featuring five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. The ODI series will be played from November 4 to 15, putting Kohli and Rohit in focus as India continue their preparations for the 2027 World Cup.