England vs India 2021: They Came Out Shining Like Gold - Aakash Chopra On Cheteshwar Pujara And Ajinkya Rahane Partnership
Updated - 16 Aug 2021, 06:36 PM
Former India batsman Aakash Chopra felt that Pujara and Rahane’s partnership has saved themselves from being dropped from the Indian side after a string of low scores. Rahane came in at 55 for the loss of 3 wickets and the lead was just 28. They battled out in the crease for almost 300 balls for a 100 run fourth-wicket partnership.
However, they couldn’t carry the team till the end of the day and both of the batsmen were dismissed before the stumps. However, it would have been a lot worse if these two did not stick around for a long time and the final day could well be up for some rollercoaster action.
“The Sword Was Hanging Over Them” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra highlighted the importance of the innings played by both Rahane and Pujara and reckoned that they had to bat to save their Test careers which were in dilemma. He lauded Pujara for playing out 200 deliveries that had made the fifth day possible and felt unfortunate to have received an unplayable delivery from Mark Wood. He was satisfied with Pujara’s knock of 45 runs from 206 balls.
“Pujara and Rahane were together after lunch. It was a question of saving their careers. The sword was hanging over them. They came out shining like gold. They scored 49 runs in the session and did not lose a wicket.
“Pujara played 206 balls and got out for 40-odd to an unplayable ball from Wood. But 206 balls, he has allowed the game to be dragged into the fifth day. I am delighted with the way he batted,” Aakash Chopra told on his Youtube Channel.
Rahane Will Be Disappointed With His Dismissal, Reckons Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra hailed the Indian vice-captain for playing a wonderful knock under difficult circumstances and explained the way Ajinkya Rahane dominated the spinner on all sides. However, he felt that Rahane would be kicking himself with the way he was dismissed after doing all the hard work and added that 61 in that situation was very important for him personally as well.
“Rahane, on the other hand, was very very good. He was quite dominating against spin. He played the sweep, cut and jumped down the track also to play shots. Eventually, he will be disappointed with the way he got out.”
But then 61 when then the backs were at the wall. This is what you like from Rahane. In this context, it was extremely critical that these two players score runs, No.3 and No.5, consistent and dependable. I am happy for both Rahane and Pujara,” he added.
