Former chief selector of the Indian cricket team, MSK Prasad, has launched a sharp critique against the current team management, urging them to end the persistent uncertainty surrounding the futures of veteran stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Prasad emphasised that the minds of such accomplished players should not be messed with, advocating for clear and direct communication regarding their roles.
Prasad's Stern Advice to Agarkar & Gambhir
In a conversation reported by the Times of India, Prasad stated that the first priority should be to ensure stability for the senior players. "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," he asserted. This comment comes amid ongoing speculation about whether Rohit and Kohli will be part of India's campaign in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Both icons have restricted their international commitments to ODI cricket after stepping away from T20Is and Test cricket. However, the team management, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, has not provided a definitive answer on their long-term plans. Gambhir recently noted that the two veterans were non-committal about the World Cup, which is still two years away.
Domestic Cricket Debate & The Dhoni Precedent
Recent reports suggesting that Rohit and Kohli have been asked to participate in domestic cricket have added another layer to the discussion. Prasad acknowledged that it would be ideal for them to play for their state sides when not on national duty, as it would inspire young cricketers. However, he cautioned against constantly highlighting this issue.
Drawing a parallel with former captain MS Dhoni, Prasad highlighted a different approach from the past. "We never had a word with Dhoni about playing domestic cricket. He played whenever he felt it was necessary," he recalled. This underscores his belief that veterans of a certain stature should be trusted to manage their own preparatory schedules without public pressure.
Call for Clarity and a Guiding Role
Prasad stressed the need for unambiguous communication from the decision-makers. "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. He believes that leaving room for doubt is detrimental to both the players and the team environment.
Reflecting on a previous leadership transition, Prasad pointed to the smooth handover from Dhoni to Kohli. "The camaraderie between head coach Ravi Shastri, Kohli and MS Dhoni is an example. Dhoni played the mentor to Kohli and Kohli reciprocated it," he said. He suggested a similar model for the current phase, where Rohit and Kohli could act as guiding lights for the next generation, like Shubman Gill, and be given respect and a say in their journey.
The comments from the former chief selector bring to the forefront the delicate balance teams must strike between planning for the future and respecting the contributions of their present legends, all while maintaining a transparent and positive dressing room atmosphere.
