As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, Indian cricket fans are keenly discussing the lineup that will face Australia. A pressing question lingers: who could fill the shoes of Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been pivotal to India’s Test success? Known for his patience, resilience, and ability to anchor innings, Pujara has repeatedly proven invaluable, especially on difficult pitches and against fierce bowling attacks. However, with concerns about his recent form and age, India may need a successor. But can anyone truly replace Pujara’s legacy, particularly in high-stakes contests like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
Pujara’s Unique Impact on Indian Test Cricket
Cheteshwar Pujara has cemented his place in Indian cricket lore, often compared to Rahul Dravid for his defensive mastery, ability to endure long innings, and wear down opposition bowlers. With over 7,000 Test runs at a reliable average, Pujara has consistently contributed in the most challenging conditions. His performances in past Border-Gavaskar series, notably during the 2020-21 victory, highlighted his capacity to frustrate Australia’s top bowlers like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, a factor instrumental in securing historic victories for India.
Heroics in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Pujara’s role in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was pivotal. Facing Australia’s aggressive bowling attack, he relied on a defensive technique that absorbed relentless pressure, helping India turn the tide. Especially in the third and fourth Tests, he displayed remarkable endurance, facing physical and mental challenges as he anchored India’s innings. His 56 off 211 balls on the final day of the Gabba Test allowed Rishabh Pant to chase down the target, resulting in a stunning victory in a stadium where Australia had remained undefeated for over 30 years. Pujara’s innings didn’t just showcase personal grit; it embodied the resilience of an injury-stricken Indian team playing without its captain, Virat Kohli.
The Recognition Pujara Deserves
Former Australian captain Tim Paine recently reflected on Pujara’s performance in the 2020-21 series, highlighting his importance to India’s win. According to Paine, Pujara’s ability to occupy the crease and tire the Australian bowlers was crucial to India’s success. Paine emphasized that while Pujara’s runs weren’t enormous, his sheer presence in the middle forced bowlers into lengthy spells, gradually wearing them down. This allowed more aggressive batters, like Pant, to exploit a fatigued bowling attack. Despite critiques of his slow strike rate, Pujara’s innings provided stability under pressure, enabling partnerships that shifted momentum in India’s favor.
Paine’s comments underscore Pujara’s understated yet invaluable contributions. Often underrated, Pujara’s role has been foundational for India, especially in overseas matches. His methodical, patient style reflects the essence of Test cricket, where endurance and mental strength are as crucial as runs scored. As India prepares for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pujara’s performance from the last series remains a benchmark of how patience and tactical play can achieve lasting victories in Test cricket.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, India’s squad selection has sparked discussions about who might fill the role of Cheteshwar Pujara — a batsman known for his patient, gritty approach that anchors the innings, especially on foreign soil. Here’s a look at some candidates from the current Indian squad who might inherit this crucial responsibility:
Abhimanyu Easwaran
Abhimanyu Easwaran is one of the closest players India has in terms of playing style to Pujara. Known for his solid technique and composed demeanor, Easwaran has been a consistent performer for Bengal in domestic cricket, accumulating runs through lengthy stays at the crease. His ability to wear down bowlers could make him a natural fit for Pujara’s role. However, his lack of international experience and challenges adapting to higher levels of pace and spin remain concerns.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, though more aggressive in his approach, possesses the ability to settle into long innings and handle pressure. His recent form has showcased his adaptability, and his experience in Australia during the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy gives him familiarity with Australian conditions. If Gill can temper his aggressive tendencies with Pujara’s patience, he may develop into a top-order batsman capable of fulfilling the same anchoring role.
Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan is another potential successor, boasting an impressive domestic record with a remarkable first-class average. Known for his consistency in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz’s batting style is more dynamic than Pujara’s, allowing him to score faster. However, he has shown the discipline required for longer formats, and his resilience under pressure might serve him well in Test cricket. If groomed, he could strike a balance between defensive play and aggressive shot-making, which could be effective in high-stakes series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul, a more experienced candidate, brings versatility to India’s lineup. Rahul has shown adaptability across formats, with the ability to slow down his game when required. While his form has fluctuated recently, his experience playing overseas and his skill at handling pressure could make him a solid candidate. However, to truly take on Pujara’s role, Rahul would need to prioritize a disciplined approach, especially against Australia’s formidable bowling attack.
Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar, traditionally an all-rounder, has demonstrated his capacity for resilience and patience with the bat, as seen in his previous Test appearances. Sundar’s ability to defend and occupy the crease could add depth to India’s batting lineup, though he would need further experience in longer innings to consistently fill the role of an anchor.
While none of these players may perfectly replicate Cheteshwar Pujara’s unique role, a combination of technique, patience, and experience can help India retain a similar stability in the lineup. Easwaran and Sarfaraz offer promise for the future, with the potential to adapt their domestic form to international conditions. Meanwhile, experienced players like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill could be relied on for their flexibility and composure. Ultimately, finding a replacement for Pujara’s anchor role might require a collective effort, combining the discipline of younger players with the adaptability of seasoned batsmen.
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