Cheteshwar Pujara’s Exclusion from England Test Series Raises Questions About Future Selections

Despite a stellar double-century against Jharkhand in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Cheteshwar Pujara finds himself sidelined once again as the national selectors overlook him for the upcoming five-match Test series against England. Adding to the surprise, Ajinkya Rahane, the former vice-captain dropped from the South Africa series, remains out of contention as well. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his belief that these seasoned players might not be considered for future selections.

Chopra’s Insights on the Duo

Reflecting on the exclusions, Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel, stating, “The squad is along the expected lines. We had expected Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara not to be there. I feel that chapter is closed. If you did not pick them in South Africa, that was the last opportunity to pick them. If you did not pick them there, you are not going back to them.”

Chopra’s declaration hints at a definitive stance from the selectors regarding Pujara and Rahane, signalling a strategic shift towards younger talents in the national squad.

Pujara’s Selfless Demeanor Applauded

While acknowledging Pujara’s recent Ranji Trophy feat, Chopra lauded the veteran batter’s selfless approach to the game. In contrast to some players who aim solely for selection, Chopra described Pujara as the ‘saint of cricket,’ emphasising that Pujara plays for the sheer joy of batting. Despite this praise, Chopra expressed scepticism about Pujara’s chances of making a national team comeback.

“Pujara scored a double century last week. He is the saint of cricket. He will keep scoring because he does not score runs only for selection. Half the world scores runs for selection. He plays cricket just because he likes batting. He scores runs because he likes scoring runs. So Pujara will continue to score runs and break all records in first-class cricket. I think he has already scored 61 first-class centuries. He will make 100. He will not stop. He will not retire at all,” Chopra concluded.

Young Guns Take Center Stage

*Shubman Gill, who replaced Pujara at number three, is yet to solidify his position, and Shreyas Iyer, the replacement for Rahane at number five, faces concerns about consistency. Despite this, the team management is firmly backing these young talents, signalling a shift towards a new era in Indian cricket.*

As the England Test series looms, the exclusion of Pujara and Rahane prompts discussions about the team’s evolving strategy and the emergence of a fresh wave of cricketers aiming to make their mark on the international stage.

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