BGT 2024-25: Pujara Advocates for KL Rahul to Bat at Three if Rohit Sharma Opens
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New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara stated that if India captain Rohit Sharma wishes to open the batting in the second Test against Australia, then KL Rahul must take the No.3 position. Rahul performed well as an opener in India’s triumph over Australia by 295 runs in Perth, achieving scores of 26 and 77 while Rohit was unavailable.
"I believe that if we can maintain the same batting order with KL and Yashasvi at the top, Rohit could slot in at three, and Shubman could come in at five. If Rohit decides to open, then KL should bat at No. 3. He needs to bat at the top of the order as it aligns well with his playing style. I hope we don’t make any unnecessary changes," Pujara expressed during an interview with ESPNCricinfo on Thursday.
Pujara also believes that if Shubman Gill is fit for the second Test scheduled to start on December 6 in Adelaide, he should bat at five. Pujara thinks that having Gill at this position can leverage his ability to handle the new ball after 80 overs. "Ideally, he should bat at No. 5. This allows him to step in at a point where even if we lose two early wickets, he can deal with the new ball effectively. If he comes in after 25 or 30 overs, he can express his style of play," he elaborated.
“If we lose our first three wickets early, Gill can come in and protect Rishabh Pant until the ball gets older. I wouldn’t want Pant to face the new ball at all," added Pujara.
Pujara is also of the opinion that there should be no alterations to India’s bowling lineup for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. They will prepare for this through a two-day practice match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday. "There’s no doubt about it. This bowling attack has brought us success. Jasprit Bumrah looked impressive. Mohammed Siraj was also excellent, and Harshit provided strong support. He bowled remarkably well in his first game for India, consistently pitching the ball up," he noted.
"In Australia, it’s easy to get carried away. The pitch can offer extra bounce, but he managed to maintain his focus on hitting the right areas and lengths," Pujara continued.
"I believe we should stick with the same bowling attack. Nitish also bowled a bit, and I think those four seamers are solid options, complemented by Washington Sundar.
Further justifying his preference for Sundar over Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Pujara remarked, "Initially, Washington's bowling didn’t look great, but he eventually took a couple of wickets while varying his pace, which is why he should be our spinner. He’s also a capable batsman, and his selection was based on this ability. In the second Test, if we lose a few wickets early, Washington can step up and fulfill that role," concluded Pujara.
