As India kicked off their home series against Bangladesh in Chennai, a familiar problem reared its head—a top-order collapse. With big names like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli falling early to the pace and precision of Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud, the Indian side found itself in deep trouble. Despite the dismal start, a remarkable lower-order fightback led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja stabilized the innings. However, on the sidelines, former India stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara quietly shared his own reflections through a social media post.
Pujara, who has been out of the Indian Test side since the ICC World Test Championship final in 2023, posted a clip of himself batting in the nets with a powerful caption, “Never stand still!” The timing of the post seemed to resonate with the struggles India’s top-order faced that day, reminding many fans of the solidity Pujara once brought to India’s Test batting line-up.
Pujara’s Test Career: A Pillar of India’s Middle Order
Having played 103 Tests for India and amassed 7,195 runs, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, Pujara’s contributions in the longest format are undeniable. Known for his dogged resilience and the ability to grind bowlers down, he became a lynchpin at the number three spot for India over the years. However, after a disappointing WTC final in 2023 against Australia, where he managed just 14 and 27 runs, the selectors and team management seemed to shift focus toward younger talent.
While India moved on, Pujara did not slow down. He represented Saurashtra in domestic cricket and continued to feature in the County Championship for Sussex, keeping his skills sharp. His absence from India‘s Test squad has been felt by many who believe his ability to blunt aggressive bowling attacks remains unmatched.
India’s Home Season Begins with a Stumble
On the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh, India’s top-order was decimated by the young pace sensation Hasan Mahmud. With Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli dismissed cheaply, India’s batting woes resurfaced. At 64/5, it seemed as though a humiliating collapse was on the cards.
However, a record 195-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Ashwin and Jadeja rescued the innings and brought India to a more comfortable position by stumps. Ashwin, who has also been in the spotlight for his all-round abilities, once again proved his worth with the bat, while Jadeja provided solid support at the other end.
A Message from the Sidelines: Pujara’s Post
Amid this, Pujara’s social media post garnered attention. In a 15-second clip shared on his Twitter and Instagram profiles, Pujara is seen working on his technique, honing his skills as he prepares for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. The caption, “Never stand still!” not only refers to the physical aspects of cricket but also metaphorically underlines his mindset—a fighter who refuses to give up on his career.
At 36, Pujara may have been sidelined from the Indian Test setup, but he continues to be a prominent figure in domestic and county cricket. He has been particularly impressive in first-class cricket, where he has piled up a staggering 20,899 runs at an average of 52.11, with 65 centuries and 80 half-centuries to his name. His form in the County Championship for Sussex earlier this year further demonstrates his class and hunger for runs, a quality many believe could still benefit India.
What Lies Ahead for Pujara?
Though Pujara’s exclusion from the Indian Test squad hints that the selectors might have moved on, he remains hopeful. The upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season will provide another opportunity for Pujara to showcase his form and fitness, potentially forcing the selectors to reconsider their stance.
While the Indian team management seems to be focused on blooding young talent, Pujara’s ability to absorb pressure and grind through tough spells remains a rare and valuable asset. With India’s ongoing struggles in the top-order, questions are being raised—could India benefit from bringing back the experience and solidity of a player like Pujara?
Former Indian Opener Compares Ravichandran Ashwin with VVS Laxman
India’s Road Ahead
India’s home season is still in its early stages, but the batting collapse in Chennai serves as a stark reminder that the team still has unresolved issues at the top. As Ashwin and Jadeja continue to anchor the middle and lower order, the focus will be on how the top three can step up and prevent such early collapses in future matches.
For Cheteshwar Pujara, the journey continues, even if not at the international level for now. Whether or not he will don the Indian Test whites again remains to be seen, but his passion for the game and determination to stay prepared is an inspiration to cricketers worldwide.
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