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Cheteshwar Pujara, the seasoned Indian cricketer and Star Sports expert, shared his insights on the upcoming second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He discussed India’s potential batting lineup and the challenges of playing with a pink ball in Adelaide. India are coming off a strong victory in the first Test.
Pujara, speaking on Star Sports‘ Follow The Blues, addressed the expected changes in the Indian batting order with the return of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. He offered his perspective on how these changes might impact the team’s strategy.
“In the batting lineup, I think Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel will unfortunately miss out. Rohit and Shubman Gill will replace them in the next Test match. And if we talk about the batting order, I think KL Rahul should play in the top order. He should be able to bat in the top 3. So, Rohit will obviously open. But if KL Rahul bats in the top 3, it will be good for the Indian team. Because the way he played in the first Test match, he was very comfortable. And he was batting very well.
“And if Shubman Gill bats at no. 5, when he will come to bat, the ball will be a little old. And he can play his natural game. He plays some attacking shots, so that will also be a little easy for him. And because of that, Rishabh Pant can come in at number 6. And it will be a little easier for him too. When the ball gets a little old, it is a little easier for him to bat. So, I think if there is any change in the batting order, then Rohit should open, KL should bat at 3, and Shubman Gill at number 5.”
Pujara further explained how this batting order would benefit Rishabh Pant, who could then come in at number six. Pant, too, would face a less challenging ball, making it easier for him to play his natural game. Pujara summarised his proposed batting order: Rohit to open, KL Rahul at number three, and Shubman Gill at number five.
The former Indian Test specialist also addressed the bowling lineup. He expressed satisfaction with the bowlers’ performance in the first Test.
“Our bowling was very good in the first Test match. There is no need for any change in bowling. Washington has also taken two wickets. The way Harshit bowled, the way Nitesh bowled, there is no need for any change there. And Bumrah and Siraj are bowling very well.”
Finally, Pujara turned his attention to the challenges presented by the upcoming pink-ball day-night Test match. He emphasised the different playing conditions and the need for adjustments.
He acknowledged Australia’s impressive record in pink-ball Tests. He anticipated a strong comeback from the Australian team, setting the stage for an exciting and closely contested match. Despite Australia’s strong record, Pujara expressed confidence in India’s ability to compete, given their dominant performance in the first Test. He predicted an intriguing contest in Adelaide.
“In Pink Ball, you need a little more reaction time. You have to speed up your footwork. The ball skids and comes quickly. So, there is a little less time than Red Ball. You will have to make some adjustments there. This match will be even because Australia’s record with the Pink Ball is very good. They have not lost a single match so far. I have a feeling that they will try to come back in the series. But the way the first Test match went, we performed very well. So, I think this will be an even contest and a very interesting Test match.”
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