England Test Series More Crucial For Cheteshwar Pujara Than Ajinkya Rahane: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has reckoned that the ongoing Test series against England is more crucial for Cheteshwar Pujara than Ajinkya Rahane.

Both Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are under the scanner due to their sustained lean patch and inconsistent returns in Test cricket.

While both Pujara and Rahane have made stellar contributions in some of India’s best Test wins in the past two years, the duo has failed to back up those performances, resulting in a prolonged phase of mediocrity.

Cheteshwar Pujara hasn’t scored a Test hundred since his 193 against Australia at the SCG in January 2019 and in his last 19 Tests, the Indian No.3 is averaging 27.64.

Aakash Chopra was asked by a fan on his Youtube channel whether this series is important for Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

The former opener-turned commentator responded by admitting that while the series is important for Rahane’s fortunes, it is more crucial for Cheteshwar Pujara.

“I hope not. It is always crucial, you need to acknowledge that. I do feel that this series is more important for Pujara and some importance is there for Rahane as well.” said Aakash Chopra.

Pujara managed a 16-ball 4 in the first innings of the Nottingham Test before being undone by James Anderson.

This led to a lot of outrage on social media and Chopra revealed that he even heard some people saying that Cheteshwar Pujara would have been benched in the second Test, had he got dismissed cheaply in the second innings of the Nottingham Test.

“Some people are even saying that if Pujara had got out in the last innings would have been dropped from the next match and after that the sword would be hanging on Rahane’s head. I really hope they are not seeing it like that,” said Aakash Chopra.

Pujara remained unbeaten on 12 in the second innings as unrelenting Nottingham rain led to the abandonment of the fifth and final day.

The Indian No.3 will be looking to regain his form in the second Test which will take place at Lord’s between August 12-16.

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