Cricket

SA vs IND 2021: There are players in the squad who can push Cheteshwar Pujara out of the XI – Madan Lal

Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal reckons there are players in the squad who can push Cheteshwar Pujara out of the XI. Lal believes Pujara is struggling and he will need to turn the tables to hold his place in the starting XI.

India’s number three was dismissed for a golden duck by Lungisani Ngidi in the first innings of the opening Test match against South Africa on Sunday.

Pujara hasn’t been in the best of forms in the recent past and pressure has been piling on him as he has failed to deliver the goods. Since January 2019, Pujara has amassed 1356 runs in 26 Test matches at a paltry average of 31.53, including his last Test hundred of 193 runs which came against Australia at Sydney.

Madan Lal reckons Pujara gets bogged down at one end and he hasn’t been able to get going. The right-hander from Saurashtra had scored 227 runs in four Test matches against England at an average of 32.43. Furthermore, Pujara could only score 95 runs in two Test matches against New Zealand in the recently concluded home series.

With players like Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer grabbing their chances at the Test level, the pressure is mounting on the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who both have been inconsistent in the last two years.

“Pujara is struggling. There are no two ways about it. There are players in the squad who can push him out of the XI. At No. 3, even the captain needs a player who can hold the innings and get some runs at the same time. At times, Pujara gets stuck way too much. So clearly, he is struggling,” Lal said on India Today.

On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane is also under pressure as he hasn’t got the big runs for the team. Rahane was included in the team’s playing XI against South Africa because of his experience and he was on unbeaten 40 after the opening day’s play at Centurion. Thus, Rahane will look to get a big score to cement his place in the team.

“Ajinkya Rahane should get runs because the Indian team needs a batter like him in the middle order. He is technically sound. And when he scores runs, he will have that confidence. Going forward, if some player goes out of form, you need a player who gives you that solidity in the middle order,” added Lal.

India was 272-3 after the second day’s play was called off due to persistent rain.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024