Many reports suggested that Pujara might get dropped from the first Test against England. However, Aakash Chopra told that he doesn’t believe in reports which claim Pujara will be dropped from the Test side.
Notably, Cheteshwar Pujara is having a rough patch lately. He failed in the high-profile battle against New Zealand in the WTC finals. Also, Pujara being a Test specialist is expected to perform better than everyone else, however, Cheteshwar had an average performance in the WTC tournament. Reports suggest that KL Rahul or Hanuma Vihari is likely to take his slot in the team in the first Test match against England.
Most Test hundreds against England among active Indians:
Virat Kohli – 5
Cheteshwar Pujara – 5
Murali Vijay – 3
Rishabh Pant – 2
KL Rahul – 2#ENGvIND— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 9, 2021
Aakash Chopra answered a question asked by a fan in his Facebook video. Former Indian opener also pinpointed that Pujara scored a century against England in the last tour. He stated:
“Reports come but I am not believing that news because the last time India had toured England, Cheteshwar had scored a century. Yes, I know what you are thinking that his average is less than 30 in England and he has toured there two or three times.”
Aakash Chopra mentioned that Cheteshwar Pujara is not in good form recently. Former Indian cricketer also highlighted that 33-year-old’s batting style has helped India many times. Aakash asserted:
“He didn’t score runs recently in the WTC as well. His style of play is very good for him, the team also benefits a lot at times but repeatedly controversy raises its head that you are taking so much time and not moving the game forward.”
The 43-year-old wants Pujara to represent India in the first Test match against England.
“But I definitely see Cheteshwar Pujara playing in the first Test match. In my opinion, at this point in time, I will not touch him. I will continue with Cheteshwar Pujara.”
A big knock in round the corner: Aakash Chopra on Cheteshwar Pujara
The cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash concluded by backing Cheteshwar Pujara and hoping he plays all games in the series. Chopra said:
“I will also expect from Pujara, his average of 29 in England and the same average in the two-year WTC cycle, that’s not what Pujara is made of. He played all the matches, there were some important knocks, but the big runs have not come.”
The 33-year-old Cheteshwar Pujara’s last century came back in the 2019 Sydney Test. However, since then, he has scored runs with an average of just 28.03 in 18 Test games.
