ENG vs IND 2021: Cheteshwar Pujara & Ajinkya Rahane Repeating The Same Mistake, Says VVS Laxman

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman while analysing the second day’s play at Lord’s has said that Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are repeating the same mistakes which is why they are having a dry run in recent times Both Pujara and Rahane scored in single figures in the first innings of the Lord’s Test. While Pujara scored nine Rahane scored just one. Both were out fending to a delivery outside off stump, which has been their weakness for a long while now.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, VVS Laxman first highlighted the problem of Cheteshwar Pujara. He said that the Indian number three is looking restless and too eager to score runs.

ANDERSON GETS ANOTHER ONE! 🔥
Pujara's dry run continues as he departs for 9 ☝🏽

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A mixture of technical issues and eagerness to score. “We saw even in the first innings at Nottingham, the way he was restless till the time was there on the crease, eventually he was run out. Even today we saw very very tentative footwork. Whenever you are indecisive, whenever you are trying to look at the outcome instead of concentrating on the ball, you always tend to reach out for the ball” Laxman said to ESPN Cricinfo.

OUT! Anderson strikes! 🔥
Rahane edges to Root and falls early☝🏽

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Ajinkya Rahane, on the other hand is having problems with delivering outside the off stump. He has also not scored a fifty now in his last seven Test innings.

“Both Rahane and Pujara will be disappointed that they are repeating the same mistake, which has led to their dismissals in the last 8-10 months. We saw Rahane getting out in a very similar fashion in Australia. “Today, if you see the replays very closely you will realise that he was late on the ball. His left foot was still in the air, there was no transfer of body weight” he said.

Laxman concluded by saying that he is hoping that the outside noise is not bothering the duo too much and asked them to stay focused on improving their game.

Hope Outside Noise Does Not Affect Pujara, Rahane: VVS Laxman

“I hope the outside noise is not playing on the minds of Pujara and Rahane. There is always more pressure on established players because there are youngsters waiting to take your spot. That pressure keeps getting more with each low score,” he explained.

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