Gautam Gambhir Pushed for Cheteshwar Pujara’s Inclusion for Australia Tour, Selectors Declined: Report

Summary
Head Coach Gautam Gambhir advocated for Cheteshwar Pujara’s return to India’s Test side for the Australia tour, citing his crucial contributions in past series wins. However, selectors rejected the proposal. Pujara, known for his defensive approach, has frustrated Australian bowlers in the past and could have provided the stability India’s batting lineup lacked in the current series. Despite KL Rahul’s relative success, Pujara’s absence has been felt. Australia leads the series 2-1 and looks set to secure the title, while India aims to level the series in the final Test.

Amid concerns over India’s underperforming batting lineup, reports reveal that Head Coach Gautam Gambhir advocated for the return of veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara for the ongoing Australia tour. According to *The Indian Express*, Gambhir believed Pujara’s experience and resilience could bolster India’s Test side. However, the selectors rejected his proposal.

Pujara, known for his solid defensive game, last played for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia during the 2021-23 cycle. The 36-year-old has been instrumental in India’s past two series victories in Australia, scoring 521 runs in 2018 and contributing 271 runs in the 2020/21 tour, including a memorable 211-ball 56 in the Gabba Test.

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood once admitted relief at not having to bowl to Pujara, who has consistently frustrated the Australian attack with his patient and grinding batting style. In the current series, India has lacked a similar approach, with various players, including Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul, trying to fill the crucial number-three role.

While KL Rahul has shown some promise as India’s third-highest run-scorer in the series, experts believe Pujara’s presence could have provided the stability and resistance India needed against Australia’s strong bowling lineup.

Australia leads the five-match series 2-1 and is poised to clinch the title and secure a spot in the WTC Final.