Former great GR Vishwanath cautions against moving Cheteshwar Pujara in the batting order

Pujara made 35, while Rahul scored a fifty against Afghanistan.

GR Vishwanath said Pujara's batting order must not be tinkered with

Both the openers, Vijay and Dhawan scored sublime centuries putting India in a strong position against Afghanistan. When Dhawan got out, everyone expected Cheteshwar Pujara to come out, but instead, KL Rahul came out at no.3 and Pujara was pushed down to the no.4 position, a spot reserved for Virat Kohli.

Pujara scored 35 runs, while Rahul scored a brilliant fifty and a former India great is not pleased with the team management for changing Pujara’s batting position.

"It does make a difference batting at No. 3 and 4. It is always a set number given to the batsman," said the 69-year-old former India batting great GR Vishwanath.

Vishwanath said, "But the only thing is when Kohli walks in to bat at No. 4, what happens to Pujara? He has been doing the No. 3 role well and gets steady runs when an early wicket falls. Am not sure what he does at No. 5, a position entirely different from No. 3 and 4. Pujara is there to get you the runs. People say he takes time to score. Fair enough. It is a Test match and you need a person like that."

"With Rahul, they are not making certain his position and hence does not get enough chances. Since he cannot open now as Shikhar and Vijay are doing very well and you cannot disturb them nor can you make one of them bat down the order, Rahane has to give way to Rahul," said Vishwanath.

"Rahane has not been getting runs consistently. He can wait and should way to Rahul, who has been playing really well," said the 91 Tests veteran.

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 17 Jun, 2018

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