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Cheteshwar Pujara In Border-Gavaskar Trophy! India Batter Returns In A Never Seen Avatar

Rajgeeta Yadav

Cheteshwar Pujara will do commentary in BGT [Source: @Kishorinishad01/X.com]Cheteshwar Pujara will do commentary in BGT [Source: @Kishorinishad01/X.com]

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is just around the corner, starting on November 22 in Perth. However, this year brings changes that many fans wish weren't happening. Indian star batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who is well-known for his rock-solid batting, won't be part of the Indian squad. Instead, he'll take on a brand-new role as a commentator for Star Sports Hindi.

Pujara was a vital cog in India's Test batting unit, especially in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). As he had the ability to anchor the innings and wear down the Australian bowlers, his absence could be felt deeply on the fast-paced Australian tracks.  

It is worth noting that India's star opener, Shubman Gill, has been named as Cheteshwar Pujara's replacement for this series. However, with Gill developing an injury, Devdutt Padikkal might take up the spot in the first Test in Perth. 

Cheteshwar Pujara's Impressive Record In Australia

The right-handed batter cannot be forgotten; he ensured his legacy as one of India's finest Test cricketers, particularly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Notably, his standout performance came during the 2018-19 series in Australia, where he scored a staggering 521 runs across seven innings at an average of 74.42. 

This incredible run included three centuries and a half-century, earning him the Player of the Series award and playing a pivotal role in India's historic 2-1 victory—their maiden series win on Australian soil. Over his career in Australia, the 36-year-old batter has scored 993 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 47.28, including three hundreds and five fifties.

The upcoming series will be the first five-match Test series between India and Australia since 1991-92. After the opener in Perth, the action will move to the Adelaide Oval for a pink-ball Test scheduled from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held in Brisbane, followed by the fourth in Melbourne. The series concludes with the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled from January 3 to 7.