Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has raised concerns about the Indian team ahead of the crucial Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Melbourne. Cheteshwar Pujara stated that the Indian bowling is looking a little weak, especially in the spin department, after Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement.
Ashwin announced his retirement following India’s draw in the Brisbane Test. This has left the team with limited options in the spin department. Ashwin decided to leave the squad and return home to Chennai, with Ravindra Jadeja as the primary spin option for the Indian team in the next Test match.
Batting Is a Little Better – Cheteshwar Pujara
Speaking to Star Sports, Cheteshwar Pujara said that the top order hasn’t performed well, but the middle order, including players like Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and even the tail-enders, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Akashdeep, have contributed with the bat.
“My biggest question and the reason for a little bit of concern is that the Indian bowling is looking a little weak. Batting is a little better like the top five didn’t do well, but the middle order and lower middle order, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish, and even tail-enders, Bumrah and Akash Deep contributed with the bat,” Pujara said.
There Is a Weakness in the Bowling – Cheteshwar Pujara
Pujara said that with Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, India faces a dilemma regarding the team combination. He said that while the three seamers are strong, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja do not fully support the attack. Pujara added that India needs to strengthen the bowling department.
“Now, there is a weakness in the bowling, so what will you feed the team? That is the biggest question because you can’t drop Nitish, you can’t drop Jadeja, so what will be the team combination? Ashwin has taken retirement, so two spinners, I don’t think they will play in Melbourne. So, how will you strengthen the bowling? Because the three seamers are very good, but their supporting role is. Nitish Kumar is the fourth seamer and Ravindra Jadeja is the fifth bowler.” Pujara added.
We Will Have to Think About That – Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara emphasized the importance of taking 20 wickets to win a Test match. Pujara admitted uncertainty about how to address this issue in the bowling department.
“If you add both of them together, the bowling is not that good. We will have to think about that, because if you want to win a test match, then you have to take 20 wickets, and the ability to take 20 wickets is not that good, the supporting role of the other bowlers is not good, so we will have to improve that as soon as possible, and how that will be, I don’t know, but that is a big question.” the 36-year-old further said.
The fourth Test between India and Australia will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), starting on Thursday, December 26. The Boxing Day Test match is crucial for both teams as the ongoing series is tied at 1-1.
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