With Cheteshwar Pujara struggling for runs across the last couple of years, it might be finally time to let him go ahead of the England vs India test series 2021
The final against New Zealand in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) is a nightmare for Indian fans after performing incredibly in the Championship.
Within the Indian test cricket squad, the Rajkot-born batsman plays a pivotal role. Cheteshwar Pujara is labelled as a test expert over the last decade and he has been compared to former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid.
India will have to ponder a little while facing England in the upcoming five-game Test series on August 4, with the disappointing performance and team structure against New Zealand. Although various aspects remains to be worked out, India is reported to assume that as Cheteshwar Pujara will be roped out from the playing 11.
However, during the past few months, the batter has lost his contours. The Saurashtra batsman reportedly did not score a single century in the inaugural season of World Test Championship 2019-21.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Willow Has Remained Noiseless Post 2019
As per the stats of the previous last three series from 2020, Cheteshwar Pujara averages 26.53, without any century in the given period.
The batting striking rate was 46.49 till 2019, which now has drastically dropped to 30.20 thereafter. His only significant innings was seen While he struck 77 versus Australia in Sydney.
In the preceding 30 innings, he failed to score a century, along with a string of low single-digit scores.
Ideal Replacement For Cheteshwar Pujara A Modern Day “Wall” For The England vs India Test Series
As per the reports of Times of India, claiming that the Board of Control for Cricket in India, together with the coaching staff, are considering the elevation of Captain Virat Kohli into the third place in the batting line-up.
While giving a new opportunity for KL Rahul and Hanuma Vihari to bat at the fourth position. KL Rahul, who formerly featured in the Test game against the West Indies in August 2019.
The swashbuckling batsman performed brilliantly in Durham during the practice game, stringing important partnerships and notching up a tough century, strengthening the claim for his homecoming.
India touring for a five Test match-series alongside England is beginning on 4 August, and while Team India may have not dropped maybe one of the most consistent team batsmen, Rahul has clearly made himself a probable contending opener following his latest century.
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