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Pujara’s Warning to Kohli & Rohit for 2027 WC

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Pujara issues warning to Rohit, Virat; gives reality check on playing one format

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Pujara’s Stark Reality Check for India’s Veterans

The twilight of their illustrious careers is upon them, but the fire to win a World Cup for their country still burns brightly. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have made their intentions clear: they are aiming for one last dance at the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, a former teammate and a pillar of India’s Test batting, Cheteshwar Pujara, has issued a crucial warning that cuts through the optimism. His message is simple, yet profound: in the high-stakes world of international cricket, past glory is not a free pass to future selection.

Pujara’s comments come on the heels of Kohli and Sharma’s participation in the recent ODI series in Australia, a series that served as a vital checkpoint on their long road to 2027. While he has full faith in their abilities, his warning is a stark reminder of the realities of the modern game.

Why Every ODI Series is Now Crucial

Pujara didn’t mince words. He believes that for both Kohli and Rohit, “each and every series will be very important” on their journey to the 2027 tournament . This isn’t just about accumulating runs; it’s about proving to the selectors and the team management that they can still be the match-winners India needs on the biggest stage.

In today’s fast-evolving cricket landscape, team management is reportedly building a blueprint for 2027 that may not automatically include these two legends . Their places are not guaranteed by their name alone. Every run they score, every wicket they help defend, and every series they play is a direct audition for a spot on that 2027 squad. There is no room for complacency.

The One-Format Challenge: Can Form Be Maintained?

The core of Pujara’s warning lies in the unique challenge of playing only one format. Both Kohli and Rohit have stepped away from Test cricket, focusing their energies solely on ODIs. While this allows for better workload management, it presents a significant hurdle: maintaining peak competitive form during the long gaps between ODI series.

“When you are just playing one format… it’s important to stay in touch with the game,” Pujara noted . The rhythm of international cricket is hard to replicate in domestic tournaments or practice sessions. The pressure, the quality of opposition, and the match situations are all unique. For veterans who have spent their careers in a constant cycle of international fixtures across all three formats, this new reality is uncharted territory.

Their recent ODI series in Australia was a test of this very challenge. How they adapt and overcome these extended breaks will be the ultimate determinant of their success in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Pujara’s Faith in Their Legacy and Experience

Despite his cautionary words, Pujara’s overall sentiment is one of immense respect and confidence. He’s quick to point out that these are not ordinary cricketers who need external advice on managing their careers. “I don’t need to give any advice because they are some of the best players,” he stated firmly .

His belief in them is rooted in their unparalleled experience and self-awareness. “Even if they are playing just one format, they are experienced enough to know what is expected of them,” Pujara explained during The Indian Express Idea Exchange . This is a testament to the legacy Kohli and Sharma have built—a legacy of professionalism, fitness, and an obsessive drive for excellence that has defined their careers.

For fans and experts alike, this faith is well-placed. Both players have consistently defied age and expectation, and their dedication to their craft is second to none. You can learn more about their incredible career stats on the official ESPNcricinfo pages [[EXTERNAL_LINK]].

The Path to the 2027 ODI World Cup

What does the road ahead look like for these two stalwarts? It’s a path paved with intense competition and high expectations. Key upcoming assignments include:

  • The ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, which will be a major litmus test.
  • Multiple bilateral ODI series against top teams like Australia, England, and South Africa.
  • The constant need to stay ahead of a new generation of explosive Indian batters vying for their spots.

The challenge for Kohli and Rohit is twofold: they must not only score runs but also adapt their game to the modern ODI template, which has evolved at a rapid pace. Their role in the middle order and at the top of the order, respectively, will be critical for India’s success. Their journey is a key storyline for the Indian team, a narrative that will be followed closely in the Tournaments and Players sections of our coverage [INTERNAL_LINK:players].

Conclusion: A Legacy Defined by Consistency

Cheteshwar Pujara’s message to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is not one of doubt, but of a necessary reality check. Their dream of a swansong at the 2027 ODI World Cup is within reach, but it is not a given. It must be earned through relentless consistency in every single match they play from now until then. The challenge of maintaining form in a single format is real, but if anyone has the experience, the drive, and the mental fortitude to overcome it, it’s these two giants of the game. Their final chapter is being written one ODI at a time.

Sources

All information and direct quotes in this article are sourced from the following reputable news outlets:

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