Former India star Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue playing international cricket for a long-time. Both Kohli and Rohit remain active only in ODIs, with eyes on the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. Virat will be pushing 38, while Sharma would be 40 by the time the tournament rolls in. Pujara, a long-time teammate of the duo, believes if fitness permitting they would have no problem making it to South Africa.
Pujara on Rohit-Virat: They are some of the best players in white-ball cricket
Cheteshwar Pujara has backed his former teammates in Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue playing international cricket for a long time. The duo retired from Test cricket earlier this year, following their retirement from T20Is last year. Rohit and Virat remain active only in ODIs, with their next assignment in October against Australia.
Playing a solitary format would lead to a lot of time away from the game. Pujara, who played for India in only Tests regularly, believes India’s former captains would not have a problem adjusting to the demands of a single format.
“I don’t need to give any advice because they are some of the best players in white-ball cricket. Even if they are playing just one format, they are experienced enough to know what is expected of them,” Pujara said at the Indian Express Idea Exchange.
The Asia Cup 2025 will be the first tournament India will play without either Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli since 2007. The duo have carved a legacy for themselves in ODIs, with Virat Kohli only behind Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. Sharma meanwhile also features in the top 10 for most runs in the format.
“They are such talented players. Look at the records Virat and Rohit have. They also know when the right time is for them to call it quits. They understand the level of commitment required, and if they are fit enough, they can carry on playing international cricket for a long time,” he added.
India’s next ODI assignment comes against Australia in October after the Test series against the West Indies. It would mark the first time Rohit and Virat feature since the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
