The Indian cricket fans were not pleased with the performances of Cheteshwar Pujara, who made 9 runs, and Ajinkya Rahane, who made 1 run in the first innings of the ongoing second Test between India and England at Lord’s.
While Pujara got out on day one to James Anderson, the veteran England pacer accounted for India's vice-captain early with his first ball on day two, leaving India 282/5, as KL Rahul was out on the second ball of the second day for 129 runs.
Pujara made 4 and 12* in the first Test, while Rahane made 5 runs and speculations are rife that the team management’s patience might have run out regarding their place in the Indian playing XI.
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However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was not happy with the criticism copped by Rahane and Pujara.
“He (Rahane) was the highest run-scorer for India at the WTC final with 49. So nobody else has scored runs in this period, to be honest, but questions have been asked only about two cricketers. They are low-profile cricketers. They are not going to rip their shirt off and create a scene (if they are dropped),” Gavaskar said on Sony Sports Network.
Gavaskar said if these two experienced players are getting out in the same manner match after match then questions must be asked of the support staff too.
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“Just let Ajinkya Rahane play. Yes, if he does not score runs here there is cause for concern but that cause for concern has to be regarding his technical abilities, with Pujara as well. The way he has got out in Australia playing down the wrong, being beaten by the outswinger nothing has changed as far as that is concerned.
So what is happening? Who is the one to take care of it? Not just with Pujara. There’s a staff there. If you are getting out in the same manner, then there is something wrong not just with your technique but also the guys who are supposed to help you,” Gavaskar added.
India was 347/7 at lunch on day 2 with Rishabh Pant getting out for 37 and Ravindra Jadeja unbeaten on 31.
