Four matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) have been played, and the last match of the series is to be played in Sydney from January 3. At present, Australia is ahead 2-1 in the series. Team India won the first Test match, but lost two of the next three matches, while one was a draw.
Meanwhile, a big report has come out in which it has been claimed that Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir had demanded to include Cheteshwar Pujara in the team. However, the selectors ignored his demand. Pujara, who has been out of the team since the 2023 World Test Championship final at the Oval, was seen commentating in the ongoing series.
Tension increased after Melbourne test
The atmosphere in the Indian dressing room became tense after the defeat in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Coach Gautam Gambhir expressed his displeasure over the team’s poor performance and made a harsh review of the players’ performance. According to reports, Gambhir said that despite the failure of the Indian top order, ignoring an experienced player like Cheteshwar Pujara could prove to be a big mistake.
Pujara’s performance and importance
Cheteshwar Pujara, who has scored 993 runs in 11 Test matches in Australia at an average of 47.28, was the main reason for India’s victories in the last two BGT series. In the 2018-19 series, he scored 521 runs on 1258 balls. Even in the 2020-21 series, he became the backbone of the Indian batting order by scoring 271 runs on 928 balls.
Explosive form in Ranji
In the recent Ranji Trophy, Pujara displayed his form by scoring a double century against Chhattisgarh in Rajkot. This was his 18th first-class double century, placing him behind only Don Bradman, Wally Hammond, and Patsy Hendren on this list.
Did Pujara’s lack increase problems?
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood also praised Pujara, saying that his absence could weaken the Indian batting order. Gambhir questioned the decision of the selectors and said that the team could have benefited from an experienced player like Pujara.
Now the question is whether ignoring Pujara will cost the Indian team dearly? The last match of the series can give a new direction to this discussion.
