Former India star highlights hurdles for Kohli and Rohit as ODI-only players

Cheteshwar Pujara has opened up on the challenges facing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who now represent India solely in One-Day Internationals. The veteran batter stressed that maintaining rhythm and consistency becomes vital when a player is restricted to just one format.

Both Kohli and Rohit, who retired from Tests and T20Is earlier this year, have been rested once again and will miss India A’s upcoming three-match 50-over series against South Africa A — keeping questions alive about their participation in domestic cricket.

After months of speculation about their future, the star duo returned to action during the ODI series against Australia, which India lost 1-2. Speaking ahead of the first Test against South Africa, Pujara explained that focusing on one format presents unique challenges, especially when long breaks disrupt a player’s connection to the game.

“For both of them, every series becomes important when you are playing just one format. It’s crucial to stay in touch with the game, and playing after a break can make it more challenging,” Pujara said.

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Drawing from his own experience of specializing in one format, Pujara noted that returning to international cricket after a gap often requires time to rediscover rhythm — though adapting is somewhat easier in white-ball cricket.

“From my experience, when you come back after a long break, it takes time to find your rhythm. In white-ball cricket, it’s a bit easier,” he added.

Rohit recently displayed fine form on the Australia tour, earning the Player of the Series award with a fifty and a century in the last two matches. Kohli, after a slow start with a couple of ducks, regained his touch with a fluent half-century in the final ODI. Both are expected to feature again in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa.

Pujara also lauded the duo’s commitment to fitness and form despite their advancing age, expressing confidence that they will continue to play key roles for India through to the 2027 World Cup.

“Because of their age, they need to work harder — and they have been doing that. The results are showing in their performances. We are hopeful they will continue till the 2027 World Cup,” Pujara concluded.