Published: Aug 05, 2015, 12:38 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 05, 2015, 12:38 PM (IST)
Cheteshwar Pujara had been struggling for runs in last 11 Tests before he was dropped from the Tests XI. Even, when he was picked in the squad for the three-Test series in Sri Lanka, the Saurashtra batsman may have to wait as long as captain Virat Kohli is likely to try out Rohit Sharma at No. 3 spot. Now, with the Sri Lanka tour set to start from August 12, one can’t imagine Pujara to serve drinks.
Indian captain Kohli told DNA a few days ago, “He [Rohit Sharma] is someone who if he gets going, even in a Test match, could take a session away from the opposition and that makes the difference between us winning a Test match and us lagging behind throughout. He has done well in Australia when he batted at 3 (he scored 53 & 39 in Sydney). I think he needs more opportunity there. He could be the catalyst there. He is so gifted, we want to give him ample time to score. That gives the side more chance to bowl extra 20-30 overs.” ALSO READ: Cheteshwar Pujara credits his father for making him Tets crickter
Pujara used to score big but that was only in subcontinent conditions. He continued that form in Tests garnering 654 runs and 829 runs in 2012 and 2013 respectively. He averaged a staggering 81.75 and 75.36 in these years. He was considered a good replacement to fill the shoes of Rahul Dravid. But his form dipped in 2014. Pujara was not able to justify his inclusion in the overseas conditions when India played Down-Under and in England. He got starts but could not convert them into big scores. ALSO READ: Cheteshwar Pujara scores a fighting half-century for Yorkshire
However, former Test player Praveen Amre refuses to write Pujara off. “Basically, when Pujara is in the squad, he is on the selectors’ radar. It is a good problem to have. There are a lot of options,” says Amre, who coaches the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Robin Uthappa.
“Pujara’s inclusion in the XI also rests with the team management. It depends on whether you need an aggressive batsman like Rohit or someone who plays the orthodox way. Pujara is someone who can spend time at the crease. It depends on how the captain wants to use him. Each captain has his way of thinking. The selectors have given the captain the option of playing Pujara by picking him,” he said.
Amre further added, “He gives solidity to the team. He is a specialist Test batsman. He is a quality batsman who has scored runs before and has played overseas also. He is one of the senior batsmen in the side,” On the way forward for Pujara, Amre says, “The way he plays his natural game, he has to continue with it. He cannot change his playing style overnight.”
