New Delhi:
With India’s batting unit continuing to disappoint, reports have suggested that the Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir had called for the return of veteran batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, who played a decisive role in India’s series-winning campaigns in the previous two tours of Australia.
In a report by the Indian Express, Gambhir wanted Pujara back in the Test side but the selectors shot down the move. After India went on to win the first Test in Perth, Gambhir continued to talk about Pujara.
The batter from Rajkot who represents Saurashtra in the first-class format, last played a Test for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at the Oval for the 2021-23 cycle. The 36-year-old had a crucial role in the last two tours Down Under.
He was the highest run-scorer for the 2018 tour with 521 runs from seven innings. He also chipped in with 271 runs in the 2020/21 tour but was remembered for his role in the Gabba Test where he played 211 deliveries for his 56 to keep India afloat.
Pujara, who opted for a defensive approach, has proved to be a nuisance for the Australian bowlers over the years. The veteran pacer, Josh Hazlewood had even expressed his pleasure in not having to go against him during a media interaction earlier.
The Indian team lacked a similar approach to Pujara’s where he wore down the opposition’s bowlers with his relentless defensive approach. With him not in the squad, Devdutt Padikkal was used in the number three slot for the first Test, followed by Shubman Gill and most recently KL Rahul.
Rahul has been the only batter similar to Pujara in their approach and has had a relatively successful tour, as India’s third-highest run-scorer in this series. But the fact remains that someone like Pujara could have been the spine for India’s batting unit which helped lead their charge against a prolific bowling attack in Australia.
Australia currently lead the five-match series 2-1 and will go into the final Test as the favourites to take home the title and put one foot into the World Test Championship final for the second consecutive season. India on the other hand would look to come together and put in their best performance to level the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy yet again.
