Venkatesh Prasad backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 2027 ODI World Cup

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Former India fast bowler and current Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President Venkatesh Prasad has voiced strong backing for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating that the iconic pair have earned the right to choose their own exit timing.

In an interaction in Bengaluru, Prasad shut down suggestions that the seasoned performers should be pushed toward retirement amidst mounting talks about their international futures.

“100%. I have always said that. They should be given that freedom. They have earned the freedom to take a call whenever they want to retire from the game. I don’t think anybody should be forcing them to take that call. Sunday’s innings at Lord’s, where he (Rohit Sharma) became the first Indian cricketer to score an ODI hundred at Lord’s, in itself shows that he still has everything. It is important to have both Virat and Rohit till the end of the World Cup,” Prasad told ANI.

Prasad’s comments were delivered shortly after opener Rohit Sharma shut down talk of his retirement by hammering a masterful hundred against England during the third ODI at Lord’s.

Rohit Sharma reacts to his retirement rumours

In the aftermath of India’s 2-1 series loss, the Indian opener reaffirmed that outside commentary about his future would not sidetrack him from delivering for the side.

“My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country, represent the team. That’s what I’ve been told to do since I made my debut. So that’s what I’m going to do,” Rohit had said in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The 39-year-old further reflected that external opinion has been a constant presence throughout his career and will remain so.

“What matters is what I do on the field, try to contribute to the success of the team. That’s all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. You know, if there’s no noise, there’s no fun,” he said.

Rohit silenced his doubters in emphatic fashion with a brilliant 138-run innings from 110 deliveries, becoming the first Indian batter to score a 50-over ton at Lord’s. His innings, which contained 17 boundaries and five maximums, set a new mark for the highest individual ODI score by an Indian on English soil, eclipsing his previous best of 137 not out at Trent Bridge in 2018.

(With inputs from ANI)

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