Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the current Indian team is missing the brand of defensive cricket that Cheteshwar Pujara plays. This comes after India lost the second Test to New Zealand in Pune by 113 runs and also lost the series conceding a lead of 2-0 with one Test to go.
Aakash Chopra questioned Pujara's absence, noting that Pujara, known for his calm and defensive style of play, had frequently served as India's backbone in difficult situations. He argued that the current Indian team lacks the capacity to slog out sessions and handle moments of high pressure.
"Are we missing Pujara? It's a big question actually. As a player, you might say that he would score these many runs and others would also score as many runs, so are you missing him that much? Maybe not, because at some stage you have to move beyond everyone. So you left Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in such a scenario,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra highlighted how the team has adapted to playing aggressively but questioned whether it is the right approach for Test cricket.
“You got Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant started playing at No. 5. So things changed a lot. Change is the rule of nature but one thing is definitely missing. No one in this team can do what Cheteshwar Pujara used to do. Everyone plays the same brand of cricket, that they would attack and play aggressive cricket, and have nothing to do with a draw as they play like this only. That does not work," Chopra added.
He went on to say that Pujara's style of play, while frequently criticized for being plodding or unglamorous, played an important part in keeping the squad together during difficult periods.
"It will happen repeatedly in Test cricket that you will be asked to play a session where a wicket shouldn't fall. You need to keep your head down and defend. There is a battle of attrition at times. Cheteshwar Pujara's defensive cricket, that brand of cricket which is non-glamorous, hard-working, staying at the wicket from morning to evening, we are missing that brand of cricket, and we are repeatedly seeing the result of that in collapses,” Chopra stated.
Chopra also stressed how Pujara’s presence benefited the team even when he wasn't scoring heavily.
"You need a guy to stand there to stop collapses even if the scoreboard moves or not. He keeps delaying the game. The bowlers get tired and the ball gets old and soft, and the others score runs. India is of course missing that game style of Pujara,” Chopra signed off.
