“There is still a place for a player like Cheteshwar Pujara” – Robin Uthappa on India’s squad for BGT 2024-25

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa feels there is still a place for a player like Cheteshwar Pujara in the Indian team. Pujara was not picked in India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar trophy despite scoring a double century in the Ranji Trophy clash against Chattishgarh. 

Pujara had scored 521 runs at an average of 74.43 in four Test matches on the 2018-19 tour of Australia and thus played an instrumental role in India’s maiden win on the Australian shores.

The right-hander faced 1258 balls in the four-match Test series and breathed down the neck of the opposition bowlers with his solid defense. Furthermore, Pujara scored 271 runs in four Test matches on the 2020-21 tour of Australia at an average of 33.88.

Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Robin Uthappa said, “There is still a place for a player like Cheteshwar Pujara. According to me, a place for him will have to be made in this team as soon as possible. It’s a need.”

Uthappa reckons India has got aggressive batters in their batting line-up and they need a batter in the middle order who can play an anchor role.

“We have mostly aggressive batters from No. 1 to No. 6. We need someone like Cheteshwar Pujara, Rahul Dravid, Kane Williamson and Will Young. We always need someone who can become an anchor and hold one end up and all the other batters can bat around him.”

On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin was not at his absolute best against New Zealand in a three-match series. Ashwin scalped nine wickets in three Test matches at an average of 41.22.

“This is just a very temporary form from Ravichandran Ashwin. I think he is an absolute legend of the game and he is as important to India as Nathan Lyon and Anil Kumble for Australia and India, respectively. India’s success will depend a lot on Bumrah, Ashwin, Shami, if he will be fit, and one or two other fast bowlers.”

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played in Perth from November 22 onwards.