Pujara wants KL Rahul to bat at three in Perth
Cheteshwar Pujara, a linchpin of India's Test cricket team, has recommended KL Rahul as his replacement for the upcoming Perth Test. Pujara's recommendation comes just days ahead of the first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which is set to begin on November 22. The suggestion holds particular importance as Shubman Gill, India's regular number three Test batter, is unlikely to play due to injury.
Pujara's absence raises questions about India's strategy
The exclusion of Pujara, along with Ajinkya Rahane and Mohammed Shami, from the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has raised questions over their strategy. The trio has been pivotal in India's previous tours to Australia. Notably, Pujara's batting was the highlight of the 2018/19 series where he faced over 1,200 deliveries across four matches and scored 521 runs at an average of over 74.
Pujara's resilience was key in previous Australia tours
During India's last tour of Australia in 2020/21, Pujara showed his grit by facing 928 deliveries and scoring 271 runs from four matches. Although he didn't match his run tally from the previous tour, his determination was clear as he took several blows to his body during play. This year, however, Pujara isn't in India's touring party which has sparked discussions about potential replacements.
Australian team expresses relief over Pujara's absence
The Australian team has expressed relief at not having to face Pujara in the upcoming series. Josh Hazlewood, a member of the Australian pace battery, said they are happy because Pujara, who troubled them in the last two Border-Gavaskar Trophy editions Down Under, won't be around this time. "I am happy that Cheteshwar Pujara is not here," Hazlewood told the press in Perth.
Pujara endorses KL Rahul as his replacement
Since losing the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final to Australia in London last year, Pujara has been missing from India's Test set-up. Speaking to News18 CricketNext on Star Sports's show Press Room, he backed Rahul as his choice for the number three spot if Gill misses out on the Perth match. "I don't know the batting order, but I would prefer KL Rahul at No. 3," Pujara said.
Pujara's impressive record and future of Test cricket
Pujara has an incredible record in Australia, having scored 993 runs from 11 matches at an average of 47.28. His tally includes three centuries and five half-centuries. He also admitted that Test cricket is going in a new direction, with limited-overs specialists redefining batting in the format. Meanwhile, former India batter Wasim Jaffer suggested Devdutt Padikkal for the number three spot at Perth if Gill is sidelined due to injury.
