BGT 2024-25: Pujara Advocates for KL Rahul at No.3 if Rohit Sharma Opens
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) Veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara stated that if Indian captain Rohit Sharma chooses to open in the upcoming second Test against Australia, then KL Rahul should be positioned at No.3. Rahul performed admirably as an opener in India’s 295-run triumph over Australia in Perth, scoring 26 and 77 while Rohit was sidelined.
"I believe that if we maintain the same batting lineup with KL and Yashasvi at the top, Rohit could slot in at No.3, and Shubman could move to No.5. If Rohit opts to open, KL must bat at No.3. It’s crucial for him to play higher up the order as it complements his style. I hope we don’t alter this configuration," Pujara shared with ESPNCricinfo on Thursday.
Pujara also expressed that if Shubman Gill is fit for the second Test at Adelaide, starting December 6, he should bat at No.5. He believes that positioning Gill at five will enable him to utilize his proficiency against the new ball after the first 80 overs. "Ideally, he should come in at No.5. This gives him the opportunity to face the new ball if we lose two wickets early. Otherwise, if he arrives after 25 or 30 overs, he can play more freely and express his natural game,” Pujara noted.
“Should we lose our first three wickets early, Gill can come in and preserve Rishabh Pant for when the ball gets older. I wouldn’t want Pant facing the new ball,” Pujara added.
Furthermore, Pujara believes there should be no alterations to India’s bowling lineup for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, which they will prepare for with a two-day practice match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on the weekend. "There’s no doubt about it. This bowling attack has proven effective. Jasprit Bumrah appeared in excellent form,” he commented.
“Mohammed Siraj also performed admirably, and Harshit provided excellent support. He bowled well, especially considering it was his debut for India. He consistently targeted the right areas,” Pujara remarked.
"In Australia, it’s easy to get carried away; the pitch often offers extra bounce. However, he consistently aimed for good length and the top of off-stump, showcasing his skill set.”
"Therefore, I believe we should retain the same bowling attack. Nitish had a chance to bowl too. I feel that these four seamers are excellent options, alongside Washington Sundar.
Explaining his preference for Sundar over Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Pujara stated, "While Washington didn’t start strongly, he ultimately took a couple of wickets and showcased pace variation, making him our preferred spinner."
"He’s also a capable batsman. The reason for his selection in this squad is his batting ability. It will be critical in the second Test that if we lose some early wickets, Washington can fulfill that role effectively," Pujara concluded.
