In an interview with Star Sports pressroom, Cheteshwar Pujara revealed that he wants to see KL Rahul bat at number three in the upcoming first Test against Australia. The Indian team will be led by Jasprit Bumrah in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Pujara believes that Rahul's experience at that position will be beneficial for the team. The right-handed batter has struggled with the bat in recent years but will look forward to make an impact if given the chance to bat at number three.
In an exclusive interview with Star Sports pressroom, Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara expressed his belief that KL Rahul should be given the opportunity to bat at number three in the upcoming first Test against Australia.
Background
KL Rahul has been a regular member of the Indian Test team for several years, but has primarily batted in the middle order. However, with Rohit Sharma ruled out of the first Test due to injury, a vacancy has opened up at the top of the order.
Pujara believes that Rahul's experience and versatility make him the ideal candidate to fill that void. Rahul has previously opened the batting for India in limited-overs cricket and has also batted at number three in the Test format.
Pujara's Reasoning
"I think KL Rahul is the right man to bat at number three," Pujara said. "He has the experience and the ability to play in different conditions. He can also bat against both spin and pace bowling."
Pujara also noted that Rahul's presence at number three would provide balance to the Indian batting lineup. "He can play aggressively if needed, or he can play defensively and hold one end up," Pujara explained.
Team Dynamic
If Rahul does indeed bat at number three, it would likely mean that Pujara would move down to number four. Pujara is comfortable with this arrangement, however, as he believes it will allow him to focus on his primary role of building a solid foundation for the Indian innings.
"I am happy to bat wherever the team needs me," Pujara said. "I have always been a team player and I will do whatever it takes to help us win."
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is Rohit Sharma not playing in the first Test? Rohit Sharma is out with a thumb injury sustained during the recent ODI series against Bangladesh.
2. Who is leading the Indian team in the first Test? Jasprit Bumrah is leading the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
3. What is KL Rahul's batting average at number three in Tests? Rahul has an average of 31.13 in 10 innings batting at number three in Tests.
4. Has Pujara ever batted at number one in Tests? No, Pujara has never batted at number one in Tests.
5. What is Pujara's highest score in Tests? Pujara's highest score in Tests is 206, which he made against Australia in 2019.
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