India Needs Pujara’s Experience in Australia: MSK Prasad

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. MSK Prasad emphasized the need for Cheteshwar Pujara’s experience in the upcoming Test series against Australia.
2. Prasad believes Pujara’s solidity and experience could benefit India.
3. BCCI recently announced the team but did not include Pujara.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Former India chief selector MSK Prasad has highlighted the importance of Cheteshwar Pujara’s experience for the upcoming series in Australia. India is set to play a five-match Test series against Australia, beginning on November 22. However, BCCI’s recently announced squad features only Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul as experienced batters. Prasad believes including Pujara, who is in excellent form in domestic cricket, would have strengthened the Indian lineup in Australia.

Prasad pointed out that Pujara recently scored his ninth double century in the Ranji Trophy against Chhattisgarh. According to Prasad, Pujara’s experience and solidity would provide valuable balance to India in Australia. He also added that selectors could have delayed picking Nitish Reddy and given him a chance in India A matches first.

Pujara’s record in Australia is remarkable, with 993 runs in 11 matches. During India’s historic series win in 2018-19, he was named ‘Player of the Series’ after scoring 521 runs, including three centuries. In the 2020-21 Gabba Test, his resilient 56-run innings helped India chase down 329 to secure the series.

However, after a subpar performance in the 2023 World Test Championship final, Pujara was dropped despite his outstanding domestic record in the past two seasons.

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