Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta said the ongoing Test series against Australia is going to a big series for Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, especially in this critical time when the tourists are struggling to find positivity and confidence after humiliating Adelaide Test.
Rahane has been struggling with the bat, scoring just 133 runs from 3 Test matches at an average of just over 22 so far while Pujara scored 143 runs at 23.83 with 54 being his highest score so far.
With India captain Virat Kohli back home to attend the birth of his first child, there will be immense pressure on stand-in captain Rahane, as he has to not only score runs but also inspire the team to bounce back in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne starting December 26.
Dasgupta told Sports Today: “This is a big series for Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara. Especially in these times of crisis, I think's going to be big. And there are a few comments in the comments section which mentions Ajinkya Rahane not doing anything outstanding.”
The commentator further added, “He's had a few good games in the last 2-3 years, not too many hundreds but I completely agree. It could be a make or break series for someone like Ajinkya Rahane and even, maybe to a certain extent, Cheteshwar Pujara.”
Noteworthy, Rahane is is one of the rare Indian batsmen who average more in the away Tests (44.38) than on home soil (39.28) and averages 47 while captaining India in the two Tests so far.
(Sports Today inputs)
