Cheteshwar Pujara likely to be recalled for Australia tour, India prepares for five-test series
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Cheteshwar Pujara, a standout performer in India's last two tours of Australia, may be included in the squad for the upcoming five-Test series Down Under.
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to announce the team on October 28.
Pujara's experience and resilience against Australia’s formidable bowling attack make him a potential pick despite not playing for India since the World Test Championship final in June last year.
In the 2018-19 series, Pujara was India's top scorer with 521 runs, facing 1,258 balls, and once again anchored the batting lineup during the 2020-21 series, accumulating 271 runs while facing 928 deliveries. His ability to wear down bowlers like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc has been crucial in India's success in Australia.
Though Pujara has been out of the national team for over a year, his recent form in domestic cricket, including a double-century (234 off 383 balls) in the Ranji Trophy against Chhattisgarh, suggests that he remains a strong candidate for the upcoming series.
In other squad updates, Nitish Reddy, who impressed in the Bangladesh series, is being groomed as a seam-bowling all-rounder but will not participate in the T20s against South Africa. Instead, he has been included in India A’s shadow tour of Australia. Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur, who made a key impact during India's historic win at the Gabba in 2021, could be considered for his experience, though his recent performances have been modest.
India's pace attack for the series will likely feature Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, with Avesh Khan and Yash Dayal also in contention. Mohammed Shami, who declared himself pain-free, may miss the early part of the series as he continues his recovery.
The series begins on November 22 in Perth.