IND vs WI: Cheteshwar Pujara's Test Career All But Over, Says Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer talked about Ajinkya Rahane’s place in the Test team. He said that the current vice-captain of the team needs to be consistent to retain his place on the side. He also shared his verdict on Cheteshwar Pujara’s case.

Ajinkya Rahane made a comeback into the Indian team for the ICC World Test Championship Final. The batter was drafted into the team after Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant were ruled out of the game due to injuries. He was dropped from the following South Africa tour in 2021 amid his poor run of form.

On the back of solid domestic and IPL performances, Ajinkya Rahane made a staggering comeback into the Indian team as he played brilliantly in the ICC World Test Championship Final and was the lone warrior for his team. He scored 89 runs in the first innings and then looked decent in the second innings as well.

Following his remarkable comeback he was appointed as the vice-captain of the team for the ongoing West Indies tour. But he hasn’t been able to mark in the two innings that he has played so far. The right-hander failed in both innings and his place in the side has again come under scrutiny.

Wasim Jaffer feels that Ajinkya Rahane needs to be consistent as he might be the captaincy option for India after Rohit Sharma in the Tests. Speaking to Jio Cinema, he also revealed the reason behind BCCI selectors picking him as vice-captain. He explained:

“Rahane will have to show consistency in his game, which has been his problem even though he has played 80.90 Tests (84). Consistency has been an issue, he will have to overcome it because India have a good captaincy option in him after Rohit Sharma is done. Rahane will have to make runs, and everything else will follow,” Wasim Jaffer said.

“If his form was great from that Australia series after that 36 all-out, the way he led, scored a hundred in Melbourne… had his form remained the same, he would have been the next Test captain. But he lost his form and got dropped. However, he reinvented himself in the IPL and got a chance in the WTC final. He was appointed the vice-captain as well, because the Indian selectors see a good leader in him,” Wasim Jaffer further added.

IND vs WI: I feel it will be a little difficult going forward – Wasim Jaffer On Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from the Indian Team following his poor run in the Indian side. He failed in the ICC World Test Championship Final and then wasn’t picked for the West Indies. The BCCI cleared to him that they want to give youngsters opportunities but also mentioned that doors aren’t closed for him.

Wasim Jaffer said that it’ll be difficult for Cheteshwar Pujara to make a comeback into the Indian team as a lot of young boys are in the mix. He explained:

“As far as Pujara is concerned, I feel it will be a little difficult going forward. You also have to start looking at the new boys for the next World Test Champions cycle. Shreyas lyer and Rishabh Pant will come back. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been successful. (Shubman) Gill will play in all three formats. I feel it will be difficult for Pujara to make a comeback.”

Cheteshwar Pujara recently scored a ton in the Duleep Trophy and it remains to be seen if he will be given a chance in the team or not.