Team India have already tasted an exciting win in Perth Now, they look forward to the iconic Adelaide Oval for the second Test against Australia, commencing on December 6. However, Cheteshwar Pujara offered some insights into the Indian Team’s batting order.
Rohit Sharma and, fitness permitting, Shubman Gill are ready to bolster the Indian lineup. But with an already-established opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, how will the team shuffle its cards? Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s dependable No. 3, has offered some intriguing insights.
Rohit at No. 3? Pujara Weighs In
“Don’t fix what isn’t broken,” seems to be Pujara’s mantra when it comes to the opening combination. “KL and Yashasvi should continue at the top,” he opined during a chat with ESPNcricinfo. However, Pujara floated an innovative idea—Rohit could slot in at No. 3, pushing Gill to No. 5 if both players make the XI.
“Rohit suits the top order, whether it’s opening or No. 3,” Pujara said. “And Gill at five? That’s ideal for him to counter the old ball and play freely.” This arrangement, he believes, not only preserves the successful opening partnership but also safeguards Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, from the new ball. Pant, who batted at No. 5 in Perth, might shift down a spot.
The shuffle could mean curtains for Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel, who failed to impress with the bat in the first Test.
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Washington Sundar: The Lone Spinner’s Case
On the bowling front, Pujara remained unequivocal. “This attack has delivered results,” he emphasized, endorsing Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Washington Sundar as the go-to combination. Surprisingly, Pujara backed Washington over stalwarts Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, citing the younger player’s dual utility with bat and ball.
“Washy may not have started well in Perth, but he found his rhythm later. Plus, his batting could be crucial if the top order stumbles,” Pujara explained. The allrounder’s ability to provide balance, especially in overseas conditions, seems to outweigh his relative inexperience.
Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are likely to continue lower down the order. This adds batting depth to the Indian squad.
The Adelaide pitch is expected to have turn and bounce. Thus, there is an important question, which is: Should Washington Sundar be the only spinner on the Adelaide pitch? And will leaving out veterans like Ashwin and Jadeja prove a masterstroke or a misstep?
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