‘Rohit & Kohli are performing… stop messing with the minds of such big players’: MSK Prasad slams team management

Both Kohli and Rohit have limited themselves to ODI cricket since retiring from T20Is and Tests, yet speculation about their future continues to circulate. The team management, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, has yet to clarify whether Rohit and Kohli will feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Gambhir recently stated that the two veterans were non-committal about the upcoming World Cup, which is still two years away.

Recent reports also suggested that Rohit and Kohli have been asked to play domestic cricket. Prasad said that while it would be ideal for them to play domestically when not on national duty, the issue should not be repeatedly emphasised. He pointed out that former India captain MS Dhoni was never instructed to play domestic cricket but made himself available for his state side whenever he deemed it necessary.

“It will be ideal if they play domestic cricket when they are not on national duty, because that will also inspire the young players in the state teams. But one should be careful that the issue is not brought up all the time. We never had a word with Dhoni about playing domestic cricket. He played whenever he felt it was necessary,” said Prasad.

“There should be clear communication up front. Or else, stick to the perform-or-perish policy. There should not be any scope for ambiguity,” he added.

Prasad also reflected on the previous transition period when Kohli took over the captaincy from Dhoni.

“The camaraderie between head coach Ravi Shastri, Kohli and MS Dhoni is an example. We didn’t even announce a vice-captain to start with. Dhoni played the mentor to Kohli and Kohli reciprocated it. Similarly, Kohli and Rohit should be told that they can be the guiding light for Gill. Let them have a say when they want to,” he said.