India Missing Cheteshwar Pujara’s Grit: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has voiced concerns over India’s recent Test performance, particularly highlighting the absence of veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara. Following India’s 113-run loss to New Zealand, their first Test series defeat at home against the Kiwis, Chopra believes that the team is missing Pujara’s unique brand of cricket.

Pujara, known for his unwavering defense and ability to grind out long innings, was a stalwart of the Indian Test team for many years. However, he was dropped from the side after the 2023 World Test Championship final.

“Are we missing Pujara? It’s a big question,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel. “You left Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in such a scenario. You got Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant started playing at No. 5. So things changed a lot.”

Chopra emphasized that while change is inevitable, India’s current batting approach, heavily reliant on aggression, lacks the balance provided by Pujara’s defensive solidity.

“Everyone plays the same brand of cricket, that they would attack and play aggressive cricket, and have nothing to do with a draw as they play like this only. That does not work,” he added.

The renowned commentator pointed out that Pujara’s ability to absorb pressure and occupy the crease is invaluable in Test cricket.

“You need a guy to stand there to stop collapses even if the scoreboard moves or not. He keeps delaying the game. The bowlers get tired and the ball gets old and soft, and the others score runs. India are of course missing that game style of Pujara,” he explained.

Despite his recent impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored a double century, Pujara has not been selected for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

As India prepares for the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, the question remains: Could Pujara’s return be the key to unlocking India’s Test potential once again?