NEW DELHI: Former India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Thursday stressed that every bilateral assignment will be “very important” for veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as India gear up for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With both players now focusing solely on the ODI format, maintaining form after extended breaks has become more challenging.

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Kohli and Rohit, who recently featured in the ODI series in Australia, will next be seen in the upcoming series against South Africa starting November 30 in Ranchi.

“For players like them, every series now carries significance. When you are playing just one format, staying in touch with the game becomes crucial. They are coming back after some breaks, which makes it a bit more difficult,” Pujara said during a Media Day ahead of the first Test against South Africa.

“Having the experience of playing only one format helps, but when you return after a long gap, you are trying to find your rhythm. In white-ball cricket, it is slightly easier to adjust,” he added.

Pujara also highlighted the role of age and experience in their continued performance. “Because of their age, they have to work harder, and they have done that. They’ve shown results recently with the runs they scored, and we hope they continue this form leading up to the 2027 World Cup.”

Rohit, 38, scored 73 and an unbeaten 121 in the second and third ODIs in Australia, winning the Player of the Series award, while Kohli, 37, contributed an unbeaten 74 in the third match.

Pujara stressed that the future depends on their fitness, form, and enjoyment. “It will be their personal decision. We should not look too far ahead. It depends on how their bodies respond and if they are enjoying playing just one format. If they are fit, in form, and motivated, we’ll see how it goes,” he said.

“But at the moment, each series is very important. They need to perform, score runs, maintain rhythm, and sustain their form. That’s why every series, every match, now becomes crucial for them,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)