Kolkata : Amidst increasing pressure on Indian team after being 2-1 down in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, there’s more chaos building in Indian dressing room as big news regarding Cheteshwar Pujara comes out.
As per Indian Express, Indian Head coach Gautam Gambhir demanded inclusion of India’s star Batter Cheteshwar Pujara in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 squad, after being frustrated over team’s rusty performances.
However, his demand was reportedly turned down by the Indian selectors.
Pujara, who has been absent from the national setup since the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, has long been pillar of India’s top order in Test cricket.
Despite struggling in the WTC final with scores of 14 and 27, his overall record in Australia – 993 runs in 11 Tests at an impressive average of 47.28—has been formidable.
Pujara’s past successes in Australia have been significant. He was the top scorer for India in the 2018-19 series with 521 runs, playing a pivotal role in their historic victory. His resilience at the crease , making bowlers toil for every wicket, has been praised by opposition players as well. He also played big roles in India’s Border Gavaskar Trophy 2021 triumph.
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, ahead of the 2024/25 Border Gavaskar series, acknowledged Pujara’s threat, stating, “I am happy that Cheteshwar Pujara is not here. He is someone who bats time and spends a lot of time at the crease and makes you earn his wicket every time.”
Gambhir’s demand of Pujara is due to growing concerns regarding India’s struggling top order.
India’s struggle in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is one of the red hot talking points all over the Cricketing world. They started well with magnificent win at Perth Test, following which they lost the 2nd and 4th. India are set to play the 5th and final Test at Sydney from January 3-7 January, 2025.
