3 Reasons why Cheteshwar Pujara is prefect replacement for Virat Kohli in the first 2 Tests vs England

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.