Cheteshwar Pujara issues warning to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli; gives a glimpse into the reality of playing a single format | Cricket News

Every bilateral series will be crucial for veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as they gear up for the 2027 ODI World Cup, former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara said on Thursday, given that both players now compete exclusively in the ODI format, posing challenges in maintaining fitness during the extended breaks between matches.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!Kohli and Rohit, who recently played in the ODI series in Australia, are expected to feature in the upcoming series against South Africa starting November 30 in Ranchi.“For both, I think every series will be very important because when you play only one format. It is important for a player to be in touch with the game and he will play after a little break which makes things a little more difficult,” Pujara said at a media day ahead of the first Test against South Africa.

“Having this experience of playing in one format, I can say from my experience that when you play international cricket after a long time, you try to find the rhythm. When it comes to white-ball cricket, it is slightly easier,” Pujara added.“But at the same time, because of the age at which they have to work hard and which they have had, they have seen the results recently that they have scored. And we hope that they will continue to play until the 2027 World Cup,” said the former test specialist.Rohit, 38, showed excellent form in Australia, scoring 73 and 121 not out in the second and third ODIs, earning him the Player of the Series award. Kohli, 37, chipped in with an unbeaten 74 in the third match.“It will be their personal choice. I don’t think we should look that far. It also depends on how their body responds, how they like to play a single format of the game and if they enjoy it and continue and if they are in good shape, we will see what happens in the future,” Pujara commented.“But from now on I think every series becomes very important because for them you have to perform, score points, maintain that rhythm and maintain that form is very important and that is why I believe every series, every match becomes very important for them.”On Mohammed Shami, the senior coach who underwent ankle surgery after the 2023 World Cup and has been missing from India’s plans since the Champions Trophy in March, Pujara called for a “very honest conversation with him”. Shami was not selected for the home Test series against West Indies and the upcoming South Africa series.Shami’s last Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia.“That’s not me to answer…I mean, the selectors and team management should have a very honest conversation with him. What is the plan for the future? Whether they want to pick him or they are interested in young players,” Pujara said about Shami’s future.