November 29, 2024: Cheteshwar Pujara’s thoughts on India’s playing XI for the second Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy reflect a balanced approach that values consistency while also considering the team’s dynamics with returning players.
Given India’s dominant 295-run victory in the first Test, the momentum is certainly in their favor as they head into the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Rohit Sharma missed the first Test due to personal reasons, and Shubman Gill’s inclusion was uncertain due to a thumb injury. However, Pujara is clear about the opening combination and suggests minimal changes to preserve the balance.
Pujara believes that KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal should continue as the opening pair for the second Test, after their record 201-run stand in the second innings of the first Test. This partnership looked solid, and Pujara wants to see it remain unchanged. He advocates for consistency and not to disrupt the opening combination that worked so well.
If Rohit continues to open, then Pujara believes that KL Rahul should move to No. 3. This makes sense given Rahul’s ability to anchor innings and his strong technique against both pace and spin.
If the team opts for a top three of Rohit, Rahul, and Jaiswal, Pujara thinks that Shubman Gill should slot in at No. 5. Pujara sees this as an ideal position for Gill because it allows him to face the new ball if required but also gives him the freedom to play his natural attacking game once the ball softens.
Pujara is particularly keen on protecting Gill from facing the new ball. He suggests that if Gill comes in at No. 5, he would be less likely to face the new ball, which would help him settle in and play his natural aggressive game. This positioning also helps save Rishabh Pant from facing the new ball, which Pujara feels would be a disadvantage given Pant’s attacking style. Pujara sees Gill as someone who can stabilize the innings in case of early wickets, making No. 5 a good spot for him.
Pujara envisions Virat Kohli continuing at No. 4, a position where Kohli has been highly successful and where his class is evident, especially in the middle order.
Pujara’s suggestions emphasize a stable top order and a smart deployment of the players based on their strengths and weaknesses. He is advocating for a mix of consistency (keeping Rahul and Jaiswal as openers) and flexibility (adjusting Rohit’s and Gill’s positions to maintain balance in the batting order). With India looking to build on their 1-0 series lead, the second Test could prove crucial in continuing their strong form, and Pujara’s input adds weight to the strategic decisions India’s selectors might have to make.
