Cheteshwar Pujara was a tormenting figure for Pat Cummins and co in the last two tours to Australia and the why-not veteran could be a controversial encumbrance in contention for India’s large roster for the forthcoming five-Test series in Australia. The squad is likely to be announced by the selectors on October 28. Pujara could receive a green light from the gusseted seams if Ajit Agarkar and the other selectors choose to bank on his vast experience. The 36-year-old emerged the highest run scorer in the 2018-19 series accumulating 521 runs spanning 1258 balls and once again, he was the pillar of the Indian batting line up three years later making 271 runs executing 928 balls.
By the two sides, the most seasoned of the 103-Test Pujara, comfortably the in-most faced-greatest number of balls, was against the triad of Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc whom he successfully wore out. Pujara has not represented India since the World Test Championship final which was held in June last year where he featured.
His thirst for runs, however, is not quenched as he recorded a score of 234 off 383 balls against Chattisgarh in the last round of the Ranji Trophy.
Filling in the gap left by the already injured Nitin Reddy, who was picked in the India A team in preparation for the Australia ‘shadow’ tour, will not see him travel with the T20 side to South Africa despite performing well in the Bangladesh series.
Shardul Thakur may have a wealth of experience, and it may come in useful, but since his return from injury, he has not done anything to write home about. However, Thakur’s presence was felt in the previous tour of Australia where the second string India managed to overcome the formidable hosts at the seams of Gabba and clinched the series for the second consecutive time.
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep automatically make the Test side but the likes of Avesh Khan and Yash Dayal are also in contention. Mohammed Shami, while pain-free as of Monday, is expected not to be match fit for the beginning stages of the series which is set to commence in Perth on November 22.
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