Ever since Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from T20Is and Tests, questions have arisen about how these two Indian stalwarts will carry forward their careers while being active in just one format. With the next ODI World Cup still two years away and a limited number of One-Day Internationals in India’s FTP (Future Tours Programme), the challenge of maintaining elite-level fitness will be the top priority for Rohit and Kohli, especially while competing with many youngsters who are knocking on the doors of the Indian team.
Star Indian Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who himself announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket earlier this month, said that both Rohit and Kohli “are experienced enough to understand what is expected of them” and that he does not feel the need to advise them.
“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,” said Pujara during The Indian Express Idea Exchange.
“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.
Under Rohit and Kohli, India have won a T20 World Cup and an ICC Champions Trophy in the past year. India will play only six more ODIs before the end of the year. The team will travel to Australia for a white-ball tour comprising three ODIs and five T20Is, after which South Africa will tour India for a series of two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.
Pujara also voiced his support for the BCCI’s mandate requiring players to participate in domestic cricket when not on national duty. He stated, “It’s important for players to play domestic cricket. It raises the standard of the competition. When top players participate, it brings a lot of motivation, and young domestic players can learn a great deal. At the same time, workload needs to be managed. If you are a multi-format player, you can’t participate in every game, but you need to identify if there is a Test series coming up.”
“For that preparation alone, if someone can manage to play one or two games, that would be ideal. As for batsmen, they should play as many domestic games as possible,” added Pujara.
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He also acknowledged that the situation may differ for bowlers, noting that players like ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah cannot be expected to play domestic cricket due to workload management.
“It might be slightly different for bowlers. Someone like Jasprit Bumrah needs to manage his workload and can’t be expected to play domestic cricket. But if there is a young fast bowler trying to develop his skills in red-ball cricket, he should play as many matches as possible. The team management and coaching staff at the NCA should sit together and figure out a roadmap for every player,” said Pujara.
