Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara. (FILE)
Cheteshwar Pujara is one of the rare commodities in the modern game who has the habit and ability to occupy the crease and tire the bowlers with his resilience and solid temperament. His skill to do it with consistency means that he holds an end up and bowlers get wared down and other free-stroke players on the side get loose balls to capitalise on.
However, the Indian team has decided to move on from Cheteshwar Pujara and recent batting performances against New Zealand when the team collapsed time and again, there were questions if India would need Cheteshwar Pujara for the series against Australia where he also had plenty of success in the past. However, former Indian cricketer in speaking to Midday said, “Why talk about the people who are not in the team?”
“Whatever the best team you have, you are making them play, and that’s it. One can then ask whether India needs players like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. Why not Don Bradman for Australia? ” he added.
Cheteshwar Pujara scored 993 runs from 11 games at an average of 47.28 in Australia and has played a key role in the last couple of tours helping India win the series.
“I am happy that Cheteshwar Pujara is not here. He is someone who bats time and spends a lot of time at the crease and makes you earn his wicket every time. Has done well in Australia on previous tours. I mean there are always first-class young players coming into the team.” Hazlewood said ahead of the series in a press conference.
While there have been a few names thrown around on who can play Pujara’s role former Indian coach Ravi Shastri was stern with his response regarding that matter. “Pujara is Pujara. Please don’t compare Pujara with anyone. People used to do puja to Pujara in series against Australia. Aap khade rahe, hum series jeetege. So don’t compare. Now what he did is outstanding.
