Cheteshwar Pujara Absence
Cheteshwar Pujara has been sidelined since the series in the West Indies, with the Indian selectors preferring to look ahead.
The omission of Cheteshwar Pujara from the Indian playing XI has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism, particularly from former cricketers and fans. Pujara, known for his solid technique and ability to anchor the innings, has been a stalwart in the Indian Test team.
However, his absence in recent matches has sparked debates about team selection and the role of experienced players. Let’s delve into the reasons behind Pujara’s exclusion and the reactions it has elicited.
Former India player Karsan Ghavri on Wednesday slammed the decision to ignore veteran Cheteshwar Pujara for the Test series against England especially with the depleted batting line-up in the absence of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
A veteran of 103 Tests, the 36-year-old Pujara has been sidelined since the series in the West Indies, with the Indian selectors preferring to look ahead.
“I don’t understand the reason why Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped. He should have been in the Indian team right from the first Test,” Ghavri told PTI on the eve of the third Test here, the home ground of Pujara.
“At first, Virat Kohli was not playing the first two Tests and now it has been announced that he would not be playing the remaining three Tests. Cheteshwar was not only the greatest replacement but the greatest player they should have included,” added the 72-year-old.
With Kohli pulling out of the series citing “personal reasons” and Rahul injured, the Indian batting lineup has looked thin in the ongoing five-match series.
India have played Shubman Gill at No 3 but with little success, while Shreyas Iyer has failed to impress and has been dropped.
The Rohit Sharma-led side handed debuts to batter Sarfaraz Khan and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.
Pujara, however, has not given up on hope and is doing well in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. The veteran has already scored 673 runs at an average of 74.77 for Saurashtra and will play in their concluding league match against Manipur from Friday.
“He is still fighting, he is still in good form, he is very much in good shape and even if he comes back, I won’t be surprised,” Ghavri said.
He further spoke about captain Rohit Sharma’s dip in form and said a big knock is round the corner.
“Rohit Sharma is a great player and there is no doubt about it. This kind of player only requires one big innings. One good 50, 60, 70 or 100, he will be on track,” he added.
The series is tied 1-1 going into the third Test, starting from Thursday.
Pujara’s Test Pedigree:
Cheteshwar Pujara is a seasoned Test batsman with a remarkable record in the longest format of the game. Known for his patience, resilience, and ability to absorb pressure, Pujara has played crucial roles in several memorable Test victories for India, both at home and overseas. His technique and temperament make him an asset in the traditional format of the game.
Exclusion from Playing XI:
Despite Pujara’s impressive Test credentials, he has found himself excluded from the playing XI in recent matches. This decision has been attributed to various factors, including a perceived dip in Pujara’s form, the emergence of young talents, and a desire for a more aggressive batting approach.
Team management, including the captain and coach, often faces tough decisions regarding team composition, and Pujara’s omission reflects a shift in the team’s strategy.
Team’s Batting Approach:
The Indian cricket team, especially in the Test format, has witnessed a change in approach in recent times. The emphasis on aggressive and attacking cricket has led to the inclusion of players who align with this style.
While this approach has yielded success in certain situations, it has also led to the sidelining of players like Pujara, who bring stability and resilience to the middle order.
Reactions and Criticism:
The decision to keep Pujara out of the playing XI has not gone unnoticed, and it has prompted reactions from fans, experts, and former cricketers. Many cricket pundits have expressed their surprise and concern over Pujara’s exclusion, emphasizing the value of his experience and ability to blunt the opposition’s bowling attack.
Some have questioned the team’s shift towards a more aggressive batting style at the expense of stability.
Former Cricketers Speak Out:
Several former cricketers have weighed in on the matter, with some expressing their disagreement with the decision. They argue that Pujara’s inclusion provides a sense of assurance and solidity to the batting lineup, especially in challenging conditions. The absence of Pujara, according to them, leaves a void in the middle order that could impact the team’s overall batting performance.
The Dilemma of Team Selection:
Team selection in cricket is often a complex and contentious process. Balancing experience with youth, defensive capabilities with aggressive intent, and individual form with team requirements poses a perpetual challenge for selectors and team management.
Pujara’s case exemplifies this dilemma, where a proven performer faces the axe in favor of experimentation and a change in the team’s strategic approach.
Conclusion:
Cheteshwar Pujara’s absence from the playing XI has ignited discussions about the direction of Indian cricket and the balance between experience and youth. While the team’s emphasis on an aggressive brand of cricket is understandable, the exclusion of a dependable batsman like Pujara raises questions about the team’s overall strategy.
