Plenty of opinions have been expressed about the poor form, Indian batsmen Chetehswar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are currently facing. In the second innings of the third Test against South Africa, Indian team wanted to get a big partnership in order to secure a good target for the opponents. But Pujara managed to score nine runs and Rahane on the other hand, scored just a single run.
Former Indian bowler Ashish Nehra has now commented on the two batsmen and said that one “cannot change views on senior players after every Test.”
“The way Pujara and Rahane got out today, anybody could have got out in that manner, even Virat Kohli. So I wouldn’t look too much into today’s dismissals. You cannot change your views on senior players after every Test. Rahane has scored a good half-century (in this series). I agree he should have scored more consistently. But the pitches India have played on in the last two years have been rather tough, and conditions in South Africa are not easy either for batters.” Nehra was quoted while talking to a news portal.
Tough task for team management
According to the 42-year-old former seamer; “it is not easy puzzle” for the team management to solve. But the Delhi-born cricketer thinks that both Pujara and Rahane deserve “extra chance.”
“It is not an easy puzzle for the team management to solve. Pujara has played some stellar knocks, Rahane made that hundred at the MCG. So they deserve that extra chance. Also, do India have ready-made replacements? No.
“India will need to plan and create back-ups slowly. If Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari come in, they will also need to be given a long run. The management has to be prepared for it.” Nehra explained.
Pant's ton
Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant played a superb knock in the second innings to set up a target of 212 runs against the Proteas. Pant scored a terrific century (100 off 139 deliveries) and remained not out at the end of the innings.
In reply, the hosts lost both their openers and ended the third day’s play at 101 for 2. The Dean Elgar-led still need 111 more runs to win the Test match and as well as seal the Test series victory.
