Stop messing with minds of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Ex-India chief selector slams team management

Former India chief selector MSK Prasad has bashed the current Gautam Gambhir-led team management for the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, urging them to stop 'messing with the minds' of such big players. Both Rohit and Kohli are part of India's squad for the ongoing ODI series against South Africa at home.

The duo continue to go strong for the Men in Blue despite questions over their future with regards to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both Rohit and Kohli only play ODIs for the country after retiring from Tests and T20Is, and their lack of game time in international cricket remains a major concern.

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While they continue to perform consistently in ODIs, there has been no clarification from chief selector Ajit Agarkar or the Indian team management regarding their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit will be 40 by the time World Cup arrives in two years, while Kohli will be 39. Gambhir had earlier this year said that both batters were non-committal about the World Cup.

"First thing that needs to be ensured is that you shouldn’t be messing with the minds of such big players. They are the ones who are performing, not the younger lot," Prasad was quoted as saying by the Times of India amid constant speculation regarding Kohli and Rohit's future for India in ODIs.

Multiple reports have claimed that Kohli and Rohit have been asked to play domestic cricket when not on international duty to ensure they remain in touch with the game throughout the year. While Rohit seemed to have indicted that he is ready to take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli is unlikely to do so as he now lives in London with his family.

Prasad believes it will be ideal for both players to play domestic cricket when not playing for India as they play only a single format in international cricket. However, the former chief selector insisted the duo should be allowed to play as per their convenience. He also cited the example of former India captain MS Dhoni, who used to play domestic cricket even when he was not told to do so by the selectors or the team management.

"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.

Both Kohli and Rohit have been in great form for India despite not playing much international cricket in the last few months. Kohli slammed a brilliant 135-run knock, while Rohit scored 57 as India beat South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI of the ongoing three-match series in Ranchi on Sunday. Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his sensational ton.