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"Don't Want A Boring Draw": Cheteshwar Pujara On India's Not So 'Courageous' Plot

Soumyajit Dutta

Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on India's play [Source: @cheteshwar1/X.com]Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on India's play [Source: @cheteshwar1/X.com]

As the fourth day of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston unfolds, Cheteshwar Pujara’s words on BBC Test Match Special have sparked a fresh debate about India’s approach in the longest format. 

At the time of writing, India has been on a lead of 484 runs at tea break and there's only one day left for the game which is now leaning towards a draw, given that Indian bowlers might not hole into England's batting lineup early on Day 5.

Did Pujara Take A Dig at Gill and Gambhir?

Cheteshwar Pujara, a veteran Indian cricketer and especially, a Test veteran shared his thoughts on India's approach which kind of sounded like a slight dig towards the Indian think tank and the captain Shubman Gill too.

“To win a game, you need to be ready to lose a game. You have to be courageous. That's how you play positive cricket, you don't want a boring draw,” Pujara remarked in The BBC Test Match Special.

Pujara’s quote comes at a time when India, holding a mammoth lead of over 484 runs, appears to be playing with extreme caution. The team’s approach, marked by slow accumulation and a reluctance to declare or accelerate, is now a thing of concern. 

Will India Drive The Edgbaston Test To A Stalemate?

This conservative mindset has been a talking point throughout the series. After a defensive field setup allowed England’s middle order to mount a comeback in the first innings, questions have been raised about whether India is missing an opportunity to press for a win rather than settle for a draw or a safe finish. 

With such a commanding lead, India should be looking to set an aggressive target and give themselves enough time to bowl England out, rather than dragging the game and risking a stalemate.

India’s Lead Grows On Day 4

At the time of writing, India are 304/4 after 67.2 overs in their second innings, with the lead stretching well beyond 484 runs. Shubman Gill, closing in on another century, and Ravindra Jadeja are at the crease, but the scoring rate has slowed, and the intent to declare or accelerate is not yet visible.