There’s space for someone like Cheteshwar Pujara in Test team: Robin Uthappa | Cricket News
Former India batter Robin Uthappa said that there is still space for someone like Cheteshwar Pujara in the Indian Test side, adding that KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran can play the traditional style of cricket in the upcoming Australia series.
“We need someone defensive, someone who can play conventional, traditional Test cricket. As of now, KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are the ones who can play that role. Honestly, I still believe there’s space for someone like Pujara in the Test team,” Uthappa said in a virtual media interaction.
“I don’t see anyone else who can take on that responsibility. Everyone likes to play positively, aggressively, and score runs at a quick pace, including someone like Shubman Gill. He is a natural stroke-player, and if you ask him to play that slow role, he may not enjoy it. You might be taking away his game,” he added.
The veteran Pujara was a key member of the squad when India got better of Australia Down Under in 2018/19 and 2020-21 but he has since fallen out of favour with the management, having last played Test match for the national side in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia.
India, meanwhile, are struggling for form having achieved a horic low when they lost a home Test series to New Zealand 0-3 earlier in the month.
With their chances of a World Test Championship final slot getting slimmer, India will need to put on a commanding performance against Australia in the 5-match Border Gavaskar Trophy, set to start from November 22.
