Cheteshwar Pujara stepped into Rahul Dravid’s shoes in the first match against New Zealand played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad amidst some breakthrough changes in the Indian team. It was that crucial phase during which the Indian team was going through a transitional phase. However, there were no major casualties as Pujara sent strong signals to the BCCI authorities that he is a worthy player for sure. The retirement of VVS Laxman has struck another to the Indian team due to which it would a long time for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men to display grit and determination like before.
Sachin Tendulkar is next in line for retirement from active cricket who already quit ODI cricket in order to concentrate more on Test format. The home series against Australia will decide whether the Mumbaikar will be able to carry on or hang up his boots. Pujara, who turns 25 on January 25 has already drawn comparisons with Dravid in several ways such as his calm temperament and patient game. However, the failure of Pujara in the past couple of games too has drawn flak. Virender Sehwag came in defence of the player during a post match conference that it is the media that must be held responsible in increasing the pressure upon the newcomers.
Irrespective of what one has got to stay, Pujara will be adorning the crucial Indian No. 3 for a long while for sure. Amidst all these important incidents and vital developments, the biggest question is yet to be answered. Has the requirement of an accomplished batsman to bat at No. 3 position been met? Is it possible for a rank newcomer like Pujara to carry on the legend of Dravid? All these questions could be answered only when the emphatic batsman is allowed to play a couple of games at home and outside as well.
The Saurashtra player is now waiting in the wings to make a perfect ODI debut. The failure of Ajinkya Rahane might increase his chances of getting included in the final Playing XI, but much will be left to the decisions to be taken by the BCCI officials.
Skipper MS Dhoni was not sure of Pujara's chances. "Boss, aise nahi hota hai (It doesn't happen this way). On Twitter they say drop Ishant and play Pujara. There are so many factors to consider. The balance of the team has also to be seen. He is a great talent and will get his chance sooner than later."
Now that Team India has won the series comfortably against England with 3-1, the Jharkhand dynamite might consider including Pujara into the final eleven so that his confidence levels could be boosted. If at all the birthday boy could come good against the calculated bowling attack of England comprising the likes of J Tredwell and Tim Bresnan, then all the worries of the Indian cricket team are perfectly answered. It needs to be seen that how Duncan Fletcher will make perfect use of Pujara if he is included in the team.
