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Cheteshwar Pujara Likely to Be Dropped; Arshdeep & Umran Malik In Test Probables

image-liwrhldcPujara failed miserably in WTC Final 2023 (AP Photo)

Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara's tenure in the Test team appears to be drawing to a close following his underwhelming performance in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at The Oval. Reports suggest concerns about Pujara's recent form have arisen.

While Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane are expected to retain their places for the upcoming Test matches in Dominica and Trinidad, Pujara's future remains uncertain. Despite enjoying success in the County Championship, Pujara failed to deliver his usual formidable performance in the WTC Final, struggling against the Australian seamers and mustering scores of 14 and 27.

The Indian Test Number 3's numbers have been lacklustre in recent years, with an average of 29 in 28 Tests since the beginning of 2020, including only one century and 11 fifties. Consequently, the selectors and management are likely to look beyond Pujara as they embark on the new WTC cycle with the series in the West Indies scheduled for July.

Furthermore, there are discussions about potentially resting Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj due to concerns about their workload. Both bowlers have shouldered heavy responsibilities, with Shami's continuous bowling since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Indian Premier League.

There are indications that Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik will be included in the squad, with the latter potentially making a national comeback. The roles they will be assigned, whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is, remains uncertain.

Despite his underwhelming performance with the bat at the Oval, KS Bharat, the wicketkeeper from Andhra, is likely to retain his position in the Test squad. On the other hand, Sanju Samson may return to the ODI and T20I squads, respectively.

Following the WTC disappointment, India's upcoming tour to the West Indies is expected to bring significant changes to the team. The selection committee, led by Shiv Sunder Das, is focused on identifying and nurturing the next generation of players for more demanding future assignments.