As India prepares for the second Test in Adelaide, Cheteshwar Pujara has backed the inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the playing XI, stressing that both should fit into the side without disturbing the opening combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul.
In an exclusive chat with ESPNcricinfo, Pujara emphasized that while he believes Rohit and Gill should be in the playing XI straightaway, the existing opening pair of Jaiswal and Rahul should remain intact. “I think, for some reason, if we can carry on with the same batting order, like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman could come in at five,” Pujara said. “If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat top of the order, because it suits his game really well. I hope we don’t tinker around with that.”
This potential adjustment could see Devdutt Padikkal, who struggled in Perth with scores of 0 and 25, making way for Rohit and Gill. The biggest question, however, revolves around where Gill will slot in, should he prove his fitness ahead of the Test. Pujara suggested that No. 5 would be ideal for Gill, as it would allow him to settle into the game, particularly if India loses early wickets. “Ideally No. 5. Because it allows him to come in at a time, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball,” Pujara explained. “But if he walks in after, say, 25 or 30 overs, he can play his shots. He can play his natural game.”
With Gill at No. 5, this would likely push Rishabh Pant, who batted at No. 5 in Perth, down to No. 6, which would see Dhruv Jurel, who managed just 12 runs from two innings in Perth, making way for the incoming pair. Pujara, however, reiterated that any changes to the top order should be minimal to maintain stability.
No Change in Bowling Line-Up, Pujara Stands by Seamers
While the changes in the batting line-up are up for discussion, Pujara made it clear that India’s bowling attack should remain unchanged for the Adelaide Test. He expressed his confidence in the seam bowling trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana, who impressed in the first Test in Perth. “This bowling attack has given us success. Bumrah looked really good. Siraj was very good. And then it was supported by Harshit. He bowled really well, you have to accept that. He was playing his first game for India, still, he ended up pitching the ball up,” said Pujara.
Pujara also spoke highly of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, who will likely continue as the allrounders in the side. Sundar, in particular, was picked for his batting ability, although his bowling was crucial in the first Test. “He didn’t look really good when he started his bowling, but eventually, he got a couple of wickets, he varied his pace, so Washy should be our spinner,” Pujara noted. He further emphasized the importance of Sundar’s role as a lower-order batter, especially in case India loses a few early wickets in Adelaide.
Despite the presence of more seasoned spinners like R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Pujara firmly believes that Sundar should continue as the lone spinner in the team, highlighting the need for flexibility in the lower order.
The Road Ahead
With the second Test in Adelaide set to begin on December 6, India will first play a two-day warm-up match against a Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. This will give the team a final chance to fine-tune their preparations, with all eyes on the return of Rohit and Gill. As the team looks to build on their success in Perth, Pujara’s call for stability in both the batting and bowling departments will be crucial as India aims to seize control of the series Down Under.
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