‘They will know when to call time’ - Former teammate on Kohli, Rohit's future
"Even if they are playing just one format, they are experienced enough to know what is expected of them," Pujara said.
Indian greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma face uncertainty over their international future, having already stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket. When asked about the duo's future, their former teammate Cheteshwar Pujara remarked that both the players do not need any advice as they are the most senior members of the team.
The two veterans retired from T20Is after India clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup, and earlier in May 2025, they announced their retirement from Test cricket within the span of a week. While reports suggest that Kohli and Rohit are keen to continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup, it remains unclear whether they hold a place in the management’s long-term plans.
"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 during The Indian Express Idea Exchange.
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Pujara also opined that Kohli and Rohit will step away from international cricket on their own terms once they feel they can no longer contribute to the team. The duo last featured in ODIs during India’s triumphant Champions Trophy campaign in March 2025. They are expected to be in action during the upcoming tour of Australia, which many believe could be their final appearance on the international stage.
"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," Pujara conceded.
India’s white-ball tour of Australia begins with the ODI series opener on October 19 at Perth Stadium, followed by matches at the Adelaide Oval on October 23 and the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25. Both batting stalwarts are expected to feature in the series, the only format they continue to play at the international level.
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