As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to announce the team for the upcoming Australia series, all eyes are on veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara. With his impressive record against Australia in the last two tours, Pujara's experience could prove crucial for India's success. Meanwhile, selectors must also decide whether to give younger players a chance or stick with Pujara's proven abilities. Despite not featuring for India since the World Test Championship final, Pujara has continued to score runs, with his most recent appearance in the Ranji Trophy showcasing his skill and determination. With India facing challenges in the fast bowling department, the inclusion of players like Nitish Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, and Yash Dayal is also being considered. Mohammed Shami, who is crucial for India's bowling attack, might not be able to fully recover in time for the first matches of the series.
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gears up to announce the squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia, the spotlight falls on veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara. His impressive track record against Australia in recent tours has sparked debates about his inclusion in the team, while the presence of promising young players adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Pujara has been a mainstay of India's Test batting lineup for over a decade, renowned for his gritty defense and exceptional ability to bat for long periods. In the last two tours to Australia, he emerged as a pivotal figure, amassing a total of 835 runs at an average of 59.64. His innings in Sydney and Adelaide in 2018-19 were particularly memorable, as he anchored India's batting and played a crucial role in securing a historic series win.
Despite his proven abilities, Pujara's recent form has been a cause for concern. Since the World Test Championship final in June 2021, he has not played for the Indian team. However, his recent performances in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored 208 runs in two innings, showcased his resilience and determination.
The selectors face a dilemma: should they stick with Pujara's experience and proven abilities, or should they give younger players a chance? The likes of Shubman Gill and Hanuma Vihari have been knocking on the door of the Test team, and their inclusion could bring fresh energy and a different approach to the batting lineup.
In addition to the batting conundrum, India also faces challenges in the fast bowling department. Mohammed Shami, a key cog in the bowling attack, may not fully recover in time for the first matches of the series. This has led to speculation that uncapped players like Nitish Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, and Yash Dayal could be brought into the squad.
1. What is Cheteshwar Pujara's batting average against Australia? A: Pujara's batting average against Australia in the last two tours is 59.64.
2. Has Pujara played for India since the World Test Championship final? A: No, Pujara has not featured for India since the World Test Championship final in June 2021.
3. Who are some of the young players being considered for the squad? A: Shubman Gill, Hanuma Vihari, Nitish Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, and Yash Dayal are among the young players being considered for the squad.
4. Is Mohammed Shami expected to be fit for the first matches of the series? A: Mohammed Shami's availability for the first matches of the series is uncertain due to an injury.
5. Who is likely to captain India in Australia? A: Rohit Sharma is expected to captain India in the Test series against Australia.
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