Looks like there are underlying tensions in the Indian dressing room amidst Rohit Sharma and Co's disappointing performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. According to a report by The Indian Express, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir pushed for the inclusion of seasoned batter Cheteshwar Pujara in the team, but it was turned down by the selectors.
Selectors turned down Gautam Gambhir's request to include Cheteshwar Pujara for BGT
Following India's massive 184-run defeat in the fourth Test against Australia in the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in, tensions within the dressing room reportedly escalated. Gambhir reportedly delivered a scathing assessment of the team's subpar performances, highlighting the need for big changes.
India's senior most batter and Test specialist Pujara, who has featured in 100 Test matches, has been absent from the national team since the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final, following his dismal show with the bat, where he scored just 41 runs across both innings. Before the start of Border-Gavaskar Trophy there were enough buzz about his inclusion in India's Test squad but with team's announcement it was evident that the selectors have started thinking beyond him.
Given the struggles of the Indian top order in the ongoing series, the inclusion of Pujara might have proven beneficial. With an impressive record of 993 runs from 11 games at an average of 47.28 in Australia, Pujara possesses the experience and resilience to thrive in challenging conditions.
Even after India's victory in the first Test in Perth, Gambhir continued to advocate for Pujara's inclusion in the team. The 36-year-old Saurashtra batter has a proven track record of success in Australia, having scored 521 runs in the 2018-19 series and 271 runs in the 2020-21 series, playing instrumental role in both Indian wins.
In October, Cheteshwar Pujara achieved a significant milestone in his domestic career. He scored his 25th Ranji Trophy century and converted it into his 18th First Class double century while playing for Saurashtra against Chhattisgarh in Rajkot. The big milestone places Pujara in elite company. He is right there in the list of most First Class double centuries, following legendary figures like Don Bradman (37), Wally Hammond (36), and Patsy Hendren (22).
Looking at the way Indian team is struggling in the Australia series, Pujara's inclusion could have been a viable option for them, given the track record of the 36-year-old star batter. After being snubbed for the BGT, Pujara stepped into the new role as a commentator in the five-match series.