Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying the veteran duo have earned the right to decide when to retire.

Former India fast bowler and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup, insisting the veteran duo have earned the right to decide when to call time on their careers.

Speaking in Bengaluru, Prasad said neither player should be forced into retirement amid growing speculation over their future with the Indian team.

‘They have earned that freedom’: Venkatesh Prasad

“One hundred per cent. 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,” Prasad said.

He pointed to Rohit’s match-winning century at Lord’s as proof that the Indian captain still has plenty to offer.

“Sunday’s innings at Lord’s, where he 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,” he added.

Rohit dismisses retirement talk

Prasad’s comments came a day after Rohit emphatically silenced retirement speculation with a brilliant

138 off 110 balls in the third ODI against England at Lord’s.

Despite India’s 2-1 series defeat, the skipper made it clear that outside noise would not affect his focus.

“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 said in a video shared by the BCCI.

The 39-year-old added that criticism has always been part of his career.

“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. If there’s no noise, there’s no fun.”

Rohit’s record-breaking knock in vain

Rohit’s 138, featuring 17 fours and five sixes, made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s. It was also the highest individual ODI score by an Indian against England in England, surpassing his own unbeaten 137 at Trent Bridge in 2018.

India appeared well on course in their chase of 388 after Rohit added 147 for the opening wicket with Shubman Gill and 113 with Virat Kohli. Gill made 77, while Kohli followed up his 65 in the previous ODI with a fluent 74.

However, the visitors collapsed from 304/2 to be bowled out 27 runs short as England sealed the series.

Ben Duckett starred with 141, while Jacob Bethell (91), Joe Root (74 not out) and Jos Buttler (41 not out) powered England to 387/3 before Sam Curran claimed four wickets to wrap up the victory.

With both Rohit and Kohli now playing only the ODI format for India, the experienced pair are expected to return for the three-match home ODI series against the West Indies, beginning on September 27.