Johannesburg, First Published Jan 4, 2022, 12:42 PM IST
Johannesburg: Team India Test batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have come under fire for their lack of form. They lost the first innings of the second Test (South Africa vs India 2nd Test) against South Africa at Wanderers. Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra has come out in support as fans have been clamoring for his removal from the team.
‘Even Virat Kohli has the same numbers. But no one is questioning Kohli’s place in the team. What Collie Captain did and what he did is on two different levels. Comparisons are not fair, and at best the two were right behind Kohli. Anyway, Pujara and Rahane are in big trouble. But changing the two in the middle of an important series is a big decision, ”Nehra added.
Pathetic batting
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane put up a pathetic performance in the first innings of the Wanderers Test. Pujara, who faced 33 balls, was out for three while Rahane became the Golden Duck. Pujara has been unbeaten in Tests for three years. Rahane has not scored a century since his victory in Melbourne in December 2020. The middle order with Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara at one time was Team India’s biggest strength in Tests.
After 2019, Rahane and Pujara combined to score only 2271 runs at an average of 25.23. 12 of which were out of zero. Pujara won the Golden Duck in the Centurion Test against South Africa, while Rahane won the Wanderers’ Test. It was the first Golden Duck in Rahane’s career. Rahane has scored just 479 runs in 13 Tests in 2021. Pujara scored 702 runs in 14 Tests.
Sunil Gavaskar with a warning
Sunil Gavaskar has warned that the curtain will fall on their Test careers if they do not put up some amazing performances for India in the second innings at Wanderers. ‘They have only one Test innings left. I.e., the second innings of this Test. They think they can play in the second inning. Gavaskar said that if he fails, there will be no coming back.
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Last Updated Jan 4, 2022 12:46 PM IS
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