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'Cricket’s Pujari': Aakash Chopra Pushes For Cheteshwar Pujara In India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy Squad

Jatin

Cheteshwar Pujara has an incredible record vs Australia [Source: @sujeetsuman1991/x.com]Cheteshwar Pujara has an incredible record vs Australia [Source: @sujeetsuman1991/x.com]

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has stirred up a significant debate about Cheteshwar Pujara’s inclusion in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. Pujara recently slammed a double century in the Ranji Trophy, reigniting discussions about his value to the Indian Test team, especially considering his past heroics in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India is currently engaged in a three-match Test series against New Zealand, with the second game scheduled to begin in Pune on Thursday, October 24. However, the focus is gradually shifting to the five-Test series against Australia, starting in Perth on November 22.

Aakash Chopra Makes Strong Case for Cheteshwar Pujara For BGT 2024-25

Pujara has been instrumental in India’s last two Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins, scripting match-defining performances with his resolute batting.

Reflecting on Pujara's memorable contributions in the previous series, Chopra noted, “Will India consider him for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? The series before the last one was Pujara’s series.”

He highlighted Cheteshwar Pujara's incredible spirit during the Gabba Test, where the batter was repeatedly hit but stood tall like a wall.

Chopra’s comments seem timely, given that India’s current Test lineup lacks a quintessential defensive batter.

“You don’t see a defensive batter in this entire team,” Chopra remarked, hinting that Pujara’s technique could add much-needed stability against Australia’s fiery pace attack.



Consistent First-Class Performances Keeping Pujara in Contention

The 36-year-old Pujara has been in exceptional form, amassing 21,149 runs in 273 first-class matches at an average of 52.34. His tally includes 66 centuries, of which 18 are double hundreds, with a personal best of 352. He recently notched his 18th double hundred in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 vs Chhatisgarh.

Chopra praised Pujara’s insatiable hunger for runs, saying, “Cheteshwar Pujara sahab, you are different, you are unbelievable.”

Pujara's record in Australian conditions is noteworthy, with 993 runs in 11 Tests at an impressive average of 47.28. His gritty knocks have often been the backbone of India’s success Down Under, making him a crucial factor to consider for the upcoming tour.

Questions Loom Over India’s Plans for Pujara

Despite Pujara’s proven track record and recent performances, his selection remains uncertain. Chopra raised a pertinent question about the team management’s plans, asking, “Is India still thinking? I am not sure they are but should they?”

With India’s batting unit leaning towards an aggressive approach, Pujara’s old-school technique could offer the team a tactical edge in countering Australia’s seam-heavy attack.

The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that only three players—Don Bradman, Wally Hammond, and Patsy Hendren—have more first-class double centuries than Pujara, while legends like Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash are below him.

Chopra added a touch of humour to the debate, referring to Pujara as “cricket’s pujari,” highlighting his devotion to the game.

With a little under a month left for the Test series Down Under, the Indian selectors have a big decision to make. Whether they stick to their current aggressive template or bring back the “modern-day wall” for a tough away series remains to be seen.