In a recent development, Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian cricket maestro, has made a thought-provoking statement regarding a prominent star in the Indian team, whom he believes has been an underappreciated hero for several years. This revelation comes on the heels of India’s heartbreaking defeat in the final of an ICC event. As a result, the team, under the astute guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, has undertaken a series of notable changes to their squad for the upcoming cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). While India has consistently made it to the final of this prestigious tournament, they have faltered at the last hurdle on both occasions. With the third season of the ICC tournament on the horizon, the team is now determined to put an end to their prolonged quest for an ICC title.
The Indian squad is set to embark on a crucial Test series against the West Indies, marking their bid for a maiden WTC title. Following their defeat against Australia in the previous WTC final, India has introduced three promising young talents into the squad for the two-match Test series against the West Indies. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Mukesh Kumar have earned their maiden call-ups, showcasing their consistent performances in domestic cricket as well as for India A.
In a strategic move to invest in the younger generation, the Indian team has decided to rest senior paceman Mohammed Shami, while veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been dropped from the Test squad. Pujara, who recently turned 35, has been a pivotal figure as India’s No. 3 batsman for numerous years. Renowned for his ultra-defensive approach, the senior batsman endured a couple of forgettable outings during the WTC final against Australia. As a result, the Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, is expected to unveil a fresh face in the No. 3 position during their campaign in the Caribbean, following Pujara’s exclusion.
Harbhajan Singh, the former cricketer known for his frank assessment, hailed Pujara as one of the pillars of strength within the Indian team. With his profound respect for Pujara’s accomplishments, Harbhajan acknowledged the unsung hero’s invaluable contributions throughout the years. “I have the utmost respect for Cheteshwar Pujara and his remarkable achievements. He has been the unsung hero of the Indian team for an extended period. Pujara has consistently provided a solid foundation, ensuring the comfort of other batsmen,” Harbhajan expressed to news agency PTI.
While demanding recognition for the senior batsman, Harbhajan also highlighted that Pujara was not the sole batsman who failed to meet expectations during the WTC final. Apart from Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur, no Indian batsman managed to surpass the 50-run mark in the crucial clash against Australia. In a subtle allusion to the legendary Virat Kohli, who has also been struggling with form in red-ball cricket, Harbhajan drew attention to the striking similarity between Kohli’s and Pujara’s batting averages during the last WTC cycle.
“I firmly believe that Pujara deserves more respect than he has received. It was surprising to witness his exclusion from the team, as he is not the only one facing a slump in run-scoring. There are other players in the team who maintain similar batting averages,” Harbhajan asserted.
Kohli and Pujara emerged as India’s top two run-getters during the previous WTC cycle, but their averages of 32.13 and 32, respectively, raised concerns among fans and pundits alike.
In a passionate defense of Pujara’s strike rate, the bowling icon emphasized the indispensable role the Saurashtra superstar plays in India’s batting lineup. Pujara’s impressive record of 7,195 runs in 103 Test matches underscores his importance to the team. “While critics scrutinize Pujara’s strike rate in Test cricket, it is crucial to recognize that his patient approach helps to preserve wickets, an invaluable contribution. We must evaluate the significance of each player’s role and the team’s requirements. In my opinion, the team still relies on Pujara. When playing overseas, especially in SENA countries, having a player like Pujara, who embodies traditional Test cricket, becomes crucial,” Harbhajan concluded.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the enthralling India-West Indies Test series, Harbhajan Singh’s perspective sheds light on the significance of Cheteshwar Pujara’s presence within the team. Pujara’s ability to anchor the innings and play a patient game has been instrumental in India’s success in Test cricket over the years. As the team embarks on a new chapter, the role of the unsung hero in Indian cricket cannot be undermined.