India’s former batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to excel in the ODI format amid the retirement rumors. The pair has already announced their retirement from Test and the T20I formats and with ODI matches far and few between in International cricket, there are doubts over the veteran’s future. The veteran duo recently retired from Test cricket in May.

While Rohit Sharma has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an impressive average of 48.77, Kohli has aggregated 14,181 runs in 302 ODI games at a stunning average of 57.88; thus, their records speak for themselves.

Pujara, who shared the dressing room with Rohit and Kohli for the major part of his career, said the duo needs no advice as they are two of the best batters in the white-ball formats.

“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.

Rohit and Kohli last played an ODI match for India on March 9, 2025, against New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which was the Champions Trophy final. 

The duo will be in action in the three-match ODI series against Australia in October.