The exclusion of veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara from the Indian Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has drawn criticism from former chief selector MSK Prasad. Prasad expressed disappointment over the decision, particularly considering Pujara's strong performance record in Australia.
Pujara's snub, Nitish Reddy's inclusion for BGT squad questioned
Prasad also questioned the timing of Nitish Kumar Reddy's selection. He suggested that the selectors could have waited for one more India A match to assess Reddy's performance before finalizing the squad. Pujara's omission has surprised many fans and experts, especially after India's recent struggles in the home Test series against New Zealand. His experience and proven track record in Australian conditions were expected to be valuable assets for the team.
Former chief selector MSK Prasad has highlighted Cheteshwar Pujara's recent form, particularly his impressive double century in the Ranji Trophy. Prasad believes that Pujara's experience and solid technique are crucial assets for the Indian team, especially in the challenging conditions of Australia. He emphasized that Pujara's inclusion would have provided stability and reliability to the batting lineup.
“Pujara just scored a double hundred in the Ranji Trophy. He brings that experience and solidity which the Indian team requires in Australia. I feel, if they had to pick Nitish Reddy, you could have waited for at least one India A match and taken it from thereon,” Prasad told PTI.
Cheteshwar Pujara's impressive track record in Tests
Pujara has a strong track record in Test cricket in Australia. He ranks fifth among Indian batsmen with 993 runs in 11 matches, averaging 47.28, including three centuries and five half-centuries. His exceptional performance in the 2018-19 series, where he scored 521 runs at an average of 74.42, earned him the Player of the Series award.
Despite his impressive record, Pujara has been sidelined from the Indian national team for over a year. His last appearance for India was in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, where he scored 41 runs across two innings.
Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Vijay Dahiya has a different take on Pujara's matter. He rather believes that India should not reconsider including Pujara in the national team. He argued that the selectors have moved on from Pujara over the past year and that his recent double century against a relatively weaker team, Chhattisgarh, in a high-scoring match, may not be a true reflection of his current form.
“Look Pujara has been phenomenal for India but with due respect, the double hundred came against Chhattisgarh, which doesn't boast of best domestic attack. It was a match where 1000 runs were scored and both teams got a point,” Dahiya said.
