“We never had a word with Dhoni about playing domestic cricket” - Former India selector’s huge remark on Kohli & Rohit amid IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket has been under much scrutiny since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach [Credit: Getty]

Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad advised the management to eliminate the uncertainty surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future and their participation in domestic competitions. The legendary duo have retired from the Test and T20I format but remain active in ODIs even at their advanced age.

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However, with the pair limited to only one format, there has been constant chatter about the management wanting them to play domestic cricket to remain in rhythm. While it remains to be seen whether Kohli and Rohit play the upcoming 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, their ODI form remains impressive.

The veterans stitched a crucial 136-run partnership in India's most recent first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi.

Talking to TOI about Kohli and Rohit's future and their domestic participation, MSK Prasad said:

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"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. There should be clear communication up front. Or else, stick to the perform-or-perish policy. There should not be any scope for ambiguity."
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He continued:

"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. 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."
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Despite being 37 and 38, respectively, Kohli and Rohit have been involved in match-winning partnerships in India's previous two ODIs against Australia and the Proteas.

"Dhoni played the mentor to Kohli, and Kohli reciprocated it" - MSK Prasad on Shubman Gill as ODI skipper

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MSK Prasad believes the Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni dynamic as successor and predecessor must be the blueprint to follow for Shubman Gill as India's ODI captain. Despite playing nearly the first half of his international career under Dhoni, Kohli took over from him organically, with Dhoni constantly mentoring Kohli from behind the stumps.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill recently replaced Rohit as India's Test captain after the latter's retirement. However, even with Rohit playing the 50-over format, India decided to hand over the ODI captaincy duties to Gill.

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"The camaraderie between head coach Ravi Shastri, Kohli and MS Dhoni is an example. We didn't even announce a vicecaptain 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," said MSK Prasad (via the aforementioned source).

Gill's first series as ODI captain ended in disappointment, with India losing 1-2 in Australia.

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Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran
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