IND vs SA 2025: ‘Never told MS Dhoni to play domestic cricket, don’t mess with minds of Kohli, Rohit’ – Ex-BCCI chief selector warns Ajit Agarkar

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have recently made it mandatory for contracted players to participate in domestic matches unless they are injured, on national duty, or have been granted an exemption. Earlier this year, stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma represented Delhi and Mumbai, respectively, in the Ranji Trophy.

On Tuesday, December 2, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed that Kohli will be playing in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. Rohit is also expected to play the 50-over tournament.

However, former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has warned current chief selector Ajit Agarkar not to force legends like Kohli and Rohit to play domestic cricket. The former wicketkeeper-batter highlighted that the Ro-Ko duo is performing better than the younger players in the side. He stated that during his tenure as chief selector, he never pressured MS Dhoni to play domestic matches.

“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,” said Prasad, speaking to Times of India.

“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. 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.

Rohit has been in exemplary form of late. He was the highest run-getter against Australia in October and won the Player of the Series award. Meanwhile, Kohli registered ducks in the first two ODIs against the Aussies but finished the campaign with an unbeaten half-century.

In the first ODI against South Africa on Sunday, November 30, in Ranchi, Kohli smashed 135 runs off just 120 balls. On the other hand, Rohit amassed 57 runs off 51 deliveries.