Former Indian cricketer Karsan Ghavri criticized the Indian cricket team management’s decision to overlook Cheteshwar Pujara for the ongoing five-match Test series against England.

Ghavri was really disappointed with the team’s decision because of India’s weakened batting lineup due to the absence of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.

Despite Pujara's vast experience of 103 Tests, the Indian selectors have opted to overlook him and give the youngsters a chance against England.

Karsan Ghavri told PTI on the eve of the Rajkot Test: “I don't understand the reason why Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped. He should have been in the Indian team right from the first Test.”

The 72-year-old added, “At first, Virat Kohli was not playing the first two Tests and now it has been announced that he would not be playing the remaining three Tests. Cheteshwar was not only the greatest replacement but the greatest player they should have included.”

However, Pujara has not given up on hope as he is performing well in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024, where he has so far amassed 673 runs at an average of 74.77 for Saurashtra.

Praising Pujara, Ghavri noted: “He is still fighting, he is still in good form, he is very much in good shape and even if he comes back, I won't be surprised.”

He signed off by saying on the Indian captain Rohit Sharma's struggle against England, “Rohit Sharma is a great player and there is no doubt about it. This kind of player only requires one big innings. One good 50, 60, 70 or 100, he will be on track.”

(With PTI Inputs)