Following a crushing ten-wicket defeat to Australia in Adelaide, India’s hopes of bouncing again within the third Take a look at in Brisbane have taken centre stage. With the sequence tied 1-1, the stakes are greater than ever, and seasoned batter Cheteshwar Pujara has recommended a key change to the enjoying XI. Pujara advocated for Washington Sundar’s inclusion instead of Ravichandran Ashwin to bolster India’s batting depth and regain management within the essential sequence. Pujara’s advice comes after Ashwin’s underwhelming efficiency in Adelaide, the place he managed figures of 1/53 in 18 overs. Whereas Ashwin is considered one of India’s most skilled bowlers, Pujara believes the group might have Sundar’s all-round skills to handle their latest batting struggles.
“I really feel just one change would possibly occur. Because the batting wasn’t good, Washington Sundar can come instead of R Ashwin. Ought to somebody come instead of Harshit Rana? In my view, no. You backed him and he carried out nicely within the first match,” Pujara mentioned on Star Sports activities.
Sundar, who performed a pivotal function in India’s memorable Brisbane victory in 2021, brings each a dependable off-spin possibility and a resilient lower-order batting presence. With Sundar within the combine, India might lengthen their batting lineup with out compromising their bowling assault. He was a part of India’s 295-run win within the sequence opener in Perth. He scalped two wickets and contributed 33 runs within the match earlier than making means for Ashwin in Adelaide.
Whereas 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 worthwhile asset regardless of his latest struggles.
“He is an efficient bowler. You can’t drop him simply because one match went dangerous. Most likely the one change for me can be Sundar for Ashwin if the group feels the batting lineup wants strengthening,” he added.
Rana’s tempo and skill to extract bounce makes him a compelling alternative for the Brisbane pitch, identified for its full of life nature.
India’s loss in Adelaide have additionally dealt a blow to their World Take a look at Championship (WTC) remaining qualification hopes. At the moment third within the standings with a factors share of 57.29, India face an uphill activity.
To safe their spot within the WTC remaining, they have to win the sequence by a margin of 3-1 or 4-1. In the meantime, Australia sit second with a 60.71 factors share, whereas South Africa lead the pack with 63.33.
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