'Everyone plays aggressive cricket...': Aakash Chopra calls for Cheteshwar Pujara's return to Test team

India’s batting line-up faltered badly in the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand, and many felt they really needed Cheteshwar Pujara to neutralize opponents in high-stakes sessions following the team’s first-ever Test series loss at home in 2012.

Aakash Chopra expressed his concerns that the Indian batting lineup lacks players who can tolerate intense periods, defend when under pressure, and slow down the opposition's momentum, particularly in turning conditions where patience is key.

Aakash Chopra calls for Cheteshwar Pujara's return after home Test series defeat against New Zealand

The cricket pundit has openly claimed that the Indian cricket team is badly missing Cheteshwar Pujara, as his replacement hasn't shown the same skill in surviving tough spells and grinding out innings. He mentioned that Pujara’s absence has created a gap in the lineup.

With India’s first home Test series defeat in over a decade, the impact of removing long-standing players like Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane is increasingly evident. Chopra believed that the shift away from experienced, defensive players may have left India’s lineup lacking the stability and temperament needed for demanding Test match scenarios.

No one in this team is able to do what Cheteshwar Pujara used to do: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said in his YouTube channel, “Are we missing Pujara? It's a big question, actually. As a player, you might say that he would score these many runs and others would also score as many runs, so are you missing him that much? Maybe not, because at some stage you have to move beyond everyone. So, you left Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in such a scenario.”

He also questioned the Indian cricket team’s aggressive approach in Test cricket. Chopra noted: “You got Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant started playing at No. 5. So, things changed a lot. Change is the rule of nature, but one thing is definitely missing. No one in this team is able to do what Cheteshwar Pujara used to do.

Everyone plays the same brand of cricket, that they would attack and play aggressive cricket and have nothing to do with a draw as they play like this only. That does not work.”

India needs Cheteshwar Pujara's defensive cricket style

The former Indian batter reckoned that the downfall they saw in Bengaluru and Pune will happen repeatedly in Test cricket when they play aggressively in a session where they need to save their wicket.

And Chopra feels that’s the point where India must have Pujara. The commentator said that in such a situation, players need to keep their heads down and defend during the battle of attrition.

The commentator added: “Cheteshwar Pujara's defensive cricket, that brand of cricket that is non-glamorous, hard-working, staying at the wicket from morning to evening, we are missing that brand of cricket, and we are repeatedly seeing the result of that in collapses.”

In the end, Chopra highlighted the valuable role Pujara played in the Indian team, even during times when he wasn't racking up runs. He emphasized the importance of having a player who can anchor the innings and prevent collapses, regardless of whether the scoreboard is ticking.

The cricket pundit mentioned that Pujara's ability to prolong the game allows bowlers to tire and the ball to lose its hardness, creating opportunities for others to score. And this unique playing style is clearly missed in the current setup.