Gautam Gambhir's Plea For Cheteshwar Pujara Rejected By Selectors Amid Indian Team Struggles
The Indian cricket team is currently going through a difficult phase after losing the fourth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. According to reports, the team's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, recommended the return of veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara to the team. However, the selectors rejected the proposal.
After the defeat in the Melbourne Test, the atmosphere in the Indian dressing room is said to be tense. According to a report, Gautam Gambhir is very upset with the performance of the players and has also criticized the team. In such a situation, the return of an experienced player like Pujara was described by Gambhir as important, but the selectors did not approve it.
Cheteshwar Pujara has played more than 100 Tests for India. In the 11 Tests he has played in Australia, he has scored 993 runs at an average of 47.28. In the 2018-19 series, he played a key role in India's historic win by scoring 521 runs off 1258 balls. After this, in the 2020-21 series, Pujara also strengthened the Indian batting base by scoring 271 runs off 928 balls.
The Indian batting order is struggling in the current series. In such a situation, Gambhir believed that Pujara's technique and experience can handle the team. But the selectors rejected this appeal.
Pujara has recently performed brilliantly in domestic cricket. He scored his 25th century against Chhattisgarh in the Ranji Trophy, which was converted into his 18th first-class double century. With this feat, he reached the fourth position in the list of highest first-class double centuries scorers, behind Don Bradman (37), Wally Hammond (36), and Patsy Hendren (22).
The decision not to include Pujara in the team raises many questions. Gambhir also felt that in Australian conditions, players like Pujara could be an advantage for the team. However, the selectors did not agree to this.
The buzz of Pujara's return has once again sparked a debate of experience versus new blood in Indian cricket.