The first test of the 2024/25 Border Gavaskar Trophy begins on Friday with India taking on Australian in the first of five test matches to be played in Perth. It is safe to say the Indian contingent will be stepping in unknown territory considering the absence of their stalwart batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who played a significant role in the Indian victory in the last two Test series in Australia. He is however on the commentary team for the series and believes Test cricket is heading in a different evolution with many white-ball players bringing a new style of entertaining batting in the longer format.
With young batter Shubman Gill, who has been batting at no. 3 for the team which Pujara manned for almost ten years, expected to miss the first game at the Optus Stadium owing to a thumb injury.
For Gill, who will have his task cut out against Australia, Pujara, however, wants the lad to trust his technique and create the character in him.
“Shubman has already played Tests in Australia. He has handled that kind of situation. He must trust his approach and play that way. But he has to be very particular which shot he plays and which shot he does not play because there are so many shots that one plays in India but you cannot play them in Australia,” Pujara during a conversation that was arranged by Star Sports.
In addition to this, Pujara also counseled Gill to moderate his aggressivity while playing and not just swing at every appealing delivery.
“He must evaluate the situation and better judgment shots he needs to play off. However, he is a skilled player and can play various shots. Still, Austrians tend to play down a lot of such shots. He should learn where to draw that line,” he remarked.
But, Pujara wishes to see experienced batter KL Rahul getting promoted to bat at no. 3, pointing out that the latter has batted in the middle order for a long time.
“Use KL Rahul at No. 3 because I think he possesses the technique and the temperament to tackle that phase of the game, but unfortunately, it seems the management wants to make him open the innings,” said Pujara.
On the other hand, Devdutt Padikkal, who was called up to the Indian team only a day prior to the 1st Test, is expected to take up the number 3 position in case Gill is ruled out.
