Cheteshwar Pujara Returns To Border-Gavaskar Trophy In A Fresh Role: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is just around the corner and the excitement and anticipation among the fans is at its peak right now. The series is scheduled to kickstart on November 22 in Perth. However, in the upcoming series, the Indian cricket fans will witness a major change.
Well, the Indian Test batting superstar Cheteshwar Pujara, who is hailed as the modern wall of the Indian Test cricket, won’t be a part of the Indian squad in the upcoming BGT series as he will be seen in a new role.
Yes, you read that right, Pujara will be seen in a completely different avatar in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as a commentator for Star Sports Hindi.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s New Role: From Player to Commentator
The series opener between the teams will be taking place at the WACA Stadium in Perth and the series between will also be part of the ICC World Test Championship.
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Cheteshwar Pujara last played for India in the ICC World Test Championship final in 2023. Since then, he hasn’t been part of the Test team. After he was dropped, Shubman Gill took over the No.3 spot and has performed well, scoring important runs for the team in this format.
It has to be noted that the young opener Shubman Gill has also been named as Cheteshwar Pujara’s replacement for the upcoming series. However, Gill recently suffered a fractured thumb while attempting a catch during a match. Following the incident, he was ruled out of the upcoming Test against the Australian cricket team.
This injury of Shubman Gill led to widespread calls for Cheteshwar Pujara’s return in the Indian Test squad. Cheteshwar Pujara played an instrumental role in India’s historic series victories in the past two tours of Australia.
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Pujara’s Heroics in Past Australia Tours
In the 2018-19 series, Cheteshwar Pujara amassed 521 runs in four Tests at an outstanding average of 74.42, earning him the Player of the Series title.
During the subsequent tour, Cheteshwar Pujara once again proved his mettle, standing tall as the backbone of India’s batting lineup. Pujara’s resilience, including enduring numerous body blows, provided stability and allowed his teammates to score freely around him.
However, Gill, who has scored over 800 runs in Test cricket, will miss the Perth Test. His absence is a big setback for the Indian team, as he has done well in Australian conditions and is an important player for the series.
With Shubman Gill unavailable, reports suggest the Indian team has asked Devdutt Padikkal to stay back. The young batter, who was part of the India A squad, is likely to bat at No. 3 in the first Test.
India will also miss Rohit Sharma for the opening game, as he remains in India. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the team.
