NEW DELHI: Cheteshwar Pujara has shared his thoughts on potential adjustments to India’s playing eleven for the crucial third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane. He suggested that Washington Sundar might replace Ravichandran Ashwin. He also expressed support for pacer Harshit Rana despite a poor outing in the second Test in Adelaide.
Sundar showcased his skills with both bat and ball during India’s big 295-run victory in the series opener in Perth. He was subsequently excluded from the Adelaide Test, with Ashwin taking his place. Ashwin’s limited impact in the second match, combined with India’s 10-wicket defeat, has raised the possibility of Sundar’s return.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Pujara shared his insights on Star Sports: “I feel only one change might happen. Since the batting wasn’t good, Washington Sundar can come in place of R Ashwin. Should someone come in place of Harshit Rana? In my opinion, no. You backed him and he performed well in the first match.”
Pujara stressed the importance of continued support for Rana, despite his struggles in Adelaide. Rana went wicketless and proved expensive during the Adelaide Test. Pujara believes that removing a player after a single subpar performance could negatively affect team morale.
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He further explained his rationale for supporting Rana, and remarked: “He is a good bowler. You cannot drop him just because one match went bad. Probably the only change for me would be Sundar for Ashwin if the team feels the batting lineup needs strengthening.”
Rana’s performance varied significantly between the two Tests. He returned with four wickets in Perth, including 3 for 48 in the first innings, but struggled with both bat and ball in Adelaide. He recorded a pair and had a lackluster bowling display.
The series stands at 1-1, and India need a victory in Brisbane to boost their World Test Championship final aspirations. The team management now faces difficult decisions regarding the composition of the playing eleven.