Pujara last played for India in WTC 2023 final and Rahane on the tour of West Indies the same year.
Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has said that old-school players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane do not fit into the Indian team’s new mindset of playing attacking cricket in Test matches.
Gavaskar’s words came after India lost the three-Test series to New Zealand 0-3, earning their first white-wash at home after 24 years. The former India captain was extremely unhappy with India's batting approach which resulted in a disappointing series loss.
Gavaskar expressed concern about the recurring "attacking mindset" that affects Test cricket play. He stated that the aggressive strategy has resulted in the expulsion of players such as Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane from the team.
"The real issue is the thinking where again the short boundaries and big bats mean that batters, after playing three or four dot balls, think they can change the momentum by going for a big shot. It may work with the white ball, which doesn't swing, seam, or spin as much, but with the red ball, it's flirting with danger, especially if one has just come in to bat," Gavaskar told Sportstar.
Gavaskar emphasized that Test cricket success necessitates patience, and Indian batsmen should adjust their strategy depending on the playing circumstances and opponent teams.
"Test cricket requires some patience, especially on pitches where the bowlers are getting some assistance, but not many modern batters believe in that. Then there's this new thinking that, come what may, we will play only at breakneck speed in a five-day game, and that means there is not much thought given to tiring the bowler out or waiting for conditions to improve," Gavaskar said.
"That's why Pujaras and Rahanes have no place in the Indian team's plans. Pujara wore down the Australian attack, as did Rahane, and so the stroke-makers could take advantage of a tired attack and flog it and make up for a slow but watchful start. That kind of thinking is not there. Now there's this business of belting the ball like England batters are doing and losing badly overseas," he added.
India’s next Test assignment is the five-Test tour of Australia which is very crucial for Rohit Sharma and co.’s chances of qualifying for the WTC 2025 final.