Before the eagerly awaited Test series of India against England, Virat Kohli stepped back from the first two Tests for personal matters. Kohli got to Hyderabad but wasn’t at India’s optional Monday training.
One reliable home performer in recent years has gained entry into the Indian team, despite the BCCI not having announced a substitute for Kohli’s absence during the first two Tests.
Given Kohli’s recent performance—he was among the team’s top batsmen in the drawn Test series in South Africa—it might not be sufficient. To determine the most suitable substitute for the outgoing India captain, the selectors must now convene.
Let’s discuss three crucial reasons India should choose Cheteshwar Pujara to fill Virat Kohli’s shoes for the initial two Tests versus England.
3. Suitable for Indian conditions
Even if he may not be in the Indian team, Cheteshwar Pujara never loses his zest for scoring runs. He’s back to work in domestic cricket, having becoming the fourth Indian batsman to reach 20,000 first-class runs on Sunday.
Cheteshwar Pujara, backed by his restraint and fresh stint on Indian pitches, may prove challenging on spin-friendly fields. Aware that this could be his last run with the national team, his aim is to mark his worth and contribute to victory.
Holding a decent number of first-class matches recently, Cheteshwar Pujara might be the exact batter India needs, especially with Virat Kohli missing.
2. Experience in tough conditions
Indeed, scoring is key, but Cheteshwar Pujara’s experience holds more weight. With Virat Kohli not present, Rohit Sharma, the team’s most experienced player, is shouldering India’s batting.
Despite being skilled, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul lack the same home ground experience. England’s bowling seems well-prepared. Therefore, selectors could value Cheteshwar Pujara’s knowledge.
The fact that he has previously participated in 103 Test matches—experience that cannot be replaced—might really work to his advantage.
1. Cheteshwar Pujara Recent form
Cricket player Cheteshwar Pujara is a gloomy person. Even though he is no longer with the Indian squad, he hasn’t given up. Until he can still walk out to bat, spin his bat, and stand guard in his bubble, it hasn’t finished for him.
Cheteshwar Pujara, who is 35 years old, has discovered a new skill, particularly after he struck an outstanding 243 against Jharkhand in Saurashtra’s opening Ranji Trophy match of the season. This spurred him on, and in the two matches against Vidarbha and Haryana that followed, he scored 49, 43, 43, and 66.
The player accumulated over 20,000 first-class cricket runs. His recent scoring surge may encourage selectors to consider him for one last Team India game, possibly substituting for Virat Kohli.