IND vs AUS: Gautam Gambhir wanted THIS player for Australia Tests, selectors rejected his request

Amidst India's struggling batting unit, reports have surfaced indicating that Head Coach Gautam Gambhir advocated for the return of veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara had played a pivotal role in India's victorious campaigns during the previous two tours of Australia.

According to a report by the Indian Express, Gambhir pushed for Pujara's inclusion in the Test side but the selectors rejected the proposal. Despite India's triumph in the first Test in Perth, Gambhir continued to emphasize the importance of Pujara's presence.

Hailing from Rajkot and representing Saurashtra in first-class cricket, Pujara last featured in a Test match for India during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at the Oval in the 2021-23 cycle. The 36-year-old played a significant role in the previous two tours Down Under.

Pujara emerged as the leading run-scorer during the 2018 tour, amassing 521 runs from seven innings. He also contributed 271 runs during the 2020/21 tour, with his standout performance coming in the Gabba Test where he valiantly faced 211 deliveries for his 56 runs to keep India in the game.

Known for his defensive approach Pujara has consistently troubled Australian bowlers over the years. Veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood even expressed relief at not having to bowl against Pujara during a recent media interaction.

The absence of Pujara's patient and resilient batting style has been evident in the Indian team's recent performances. In his place, Devdutt Padikkal was utilized at the number three position in the first Test, followed by Shubman Gill and most recently KL Rahul.

Rahul has been the only batsman who has displayed a similar approach to Pujara and has enjoyed a relatively successful tour, emerging as India's third-highest run-scorer in this series. However, it is undeniable that a player like Pujara could have been the backbone of India's batting lineup providing the necessary stability against Australia's formidable bowling attack.

As it stands, Australia currently holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series and are considered the favorites heading into the final Test. They are poised to clinch the title and secure a spot in the World Test Championship final for the second consecutive season. On the other hand, India will be looking to regroup and deliver their best performance in order to level the series and retain the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy once again.

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