- For KL Rahul, a player who scored a double century in domestic cricket has increased the difficulties. If he fails in the Pune Test, then the selectors can consider the name of this player as well.
Source: Social Media
KL Rahul:
After failing badly in both the innings of the first Test against New Zealand, KL Rahul has once again become
the target of critics. Since the Test series against Bangladesh, he was facing the threat of being dropped from the team. The way Sarfaraz Khan batted in the Bengaluru Test , he is being considered as the reliable batsman of the team in place of Rahul. But now another batsman has increased KL Rahul’s problems. There is a demand to bring this
‘
test specialist ‘
back to Test cricket
along with Sarfaraz Khan .
Cheteshwar Pujara
increased the problems of KL Rahul
On one hand, KL Rahul is being given continuous opportunities in the team despite being a flop, while Cheteshwar Pujara has been hoping for his comeback for the last one year. His bat is spitting fire in domestic cricket. Recently, in the match played against Chhattisgarh in Ranji Trophy 2024-25, he scored the 18th double century of his first class career.
After this double century, discussions have intensified about bringing Pujara back for the Border Gavaskar Trophy to be held in November. In such a situation, not only Sarfaraz but Cheteshwar Pujara can also become a big threat for Rahul.
KL Rahul ‘s bat did not work on his home ground
The first test against New Zealand was at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The same Chinnaswamy which is known as Rahul’s home ground. He had the opportunity to give a befitting reply to his critics by scoring a lot of runs at home. But this was not possible. KL Rahul himself fell on his face under pressure. While he could not even open his account in the first innings, only 12 runs came from his bat in the second innings.
The defensive thinking with which he has been playing on the ground for the last one year, did not work on the occasion. Even though captain Rohit Sharma had talked about backing Rahul before the last Test series, Rahul has become a big problem for him. Whereas Pujara now has an easier way to return to his place by proving himself in domestic cricket.
Here is a look at the Test career of Cheteshwar Pujara and KL Rahul
KL Rahul:
- Matches- 53
- Runs- 2981
- Average- 33.87
- Century / Half Century- 8 / 15
Cheteshwar Pujara:
- Matches- 103
- Runs- 7195
- Average- 43.60
- Centuries / Fifties- 19/35