The Indian Test Team has done wonders in the longest format of the game in recent years. They have been undefeated at home and have been dominant tourists in the most challenging conditions. However, it is beyond any doubt that the batting unit has been a letdown in the past series.
Pujara and Rahane, once the backbone of the Indian batting lineup seems to have well surpassed their peak as the drought in their runs have continued from one series to another. With the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari warming the bench, it will be interesting to see how long the team management backs the duo.
Can Rahane-Pujara stage an epic comeback?
Both Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are world-class batters with sound technique and cool composure. Pujara’s heroics in the 2018 Australia series is no doubt the primary reason behind India winning their maiden Test series against the Aussies.
Rahane too has been a batter who is quick to adapt to foreign conditions and has often been the crisis man for his team. Be it his spectacular 100 in the iconic 2014 Lord’s triumph to his century at MCG in 2021 that paved the way for India to stage a stunning turnaround in their last tour of Down Under.
But all has not been well for the duo. Their inability to build partnerships has cost the team deeply on multiple occasions leading to batting collapses. Credit needs to be given to the bowling unit for putting the extra yards and getting past the shortcomings of the batting efforts.
However, as a team that aims to be the best in the world, a collective effort with the bat and the ball is crucial. The biggest reason behind India’s agony at the WTC final was definitely the batting unit’s failure to combat the Kiwi bowlers.
India needs to be better with the bat
The 1st Test of the Freedom series saw a similar tale being repeated. A strong opening partnership followed by a quick fall of wickets in the 1st innings and a dismal show with the bat in the last innings once again showed that the team management needs to look into the batting woes deeply.
With a great chance ahead to conquer the Proteas frontier for the first time in history, India will surely not like a poor batting show to ruin their chances in the remaining matches.
Little Master Sunil Gavaskar who is presently a part of the commentary panel for the SA tour has pointed out that the 2nd Test might be the duo’s last chance o redemption. Both Pujara and Rahane play only one format and hence they need to rediscover their mojo as soon as possible to save their careers.
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