Following a crushing ten-wicket defeat to Australia in Adelaide, India’s hopes of bouncing again within the third Test in Brisbane have taken centre stage. With the collection tied 1-1, the stakes are larger than ever, and seasoned batter Cheteshwar Pujara has steered a key change to the taking part in XI. Pujara advocated for Washington Sundar’s inclusion instead of Ravichandran Ashwin to bolster India’s batting depth and regain management within the essential collection. Pujara’s suggestion comes after Ashwin’s underwhelming efficiency in Adelaide, the place he managed figures of 1/53 in 18 overs. While Ashwin is considered one of India’s most skilled bowlers, Pujara believes the crew may have Sundar’s all-round talents to handle their current batting struggles.
“I feel only one change might happen. Since the batting wasn’t good, Washington Sundar can come in place of R Ashwin. Should someone come in place of Harshit Rana? In my opinion, no. You backed him and he performed well in the first match,” Pujara stated on Star Sports.
Sundar, who performed a pivotal position in India’s memorable Brisbane victory in 2021, brings each a dependable off-spin choice and a resilient lower-order batting presence. With Sundar within the combine, India may lengthen their batting lineup with out compromising their bowling assault. He was a part of India’s 295-run win within the collection opener in Perth. He scalped two wickets and contributed 33 runs within the match earlier than making approach for Ashwin in Adelaide.
While some have questioned the efficiency of pacer Harshit Rana after he conceded 86 runs in 16 overs in Adelaide, Pujara strongly defended the younger bowler. Rana, who impressed with a 3/48 spell on debut in Perth, is seen as a invaluable asset regardless of his current struggles.
“He is a good bowler. You cannot drop him just because one match went bad. Probably the only change for me would be Sundar for Ashwin if the team feels the batting lineup needs strengthening,” he added.
Rana’s tempo and skill to extract bounce makes him a compelling selection for the Brisbane pitch, identified for its full of life nature.
India’s loss in Adelaide have additionally dealt a blow to their World Test Championship (WTC) closing qualification hopes. Currently third within the standings with a factors proportion of 57.29, India face an uphill process.
To safe their spot within the WTC closing, they have to win the collection by a margin of 3-1 or 4-1. Meanwhile, Australia sit second with a 60.71 factors proportion, whereas South Africa lead the pack with 63.33.
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