Cheteshwar Pujara 'Jumpy', Shreyas Iyer 'Panicker': Australia Great's Brutal Take

02.03.2023 - 11:23 sports.ndtv.com

India captain Rohit Sharma's decision to bat against Australia in the ongoing third Test in Indore didn't go as planned as the hosts were bowled out for a paltry total of 109 in the first innings.

Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was the pick of the bowlers for Australia as the 26-year-old bagged his maiden Test five-for.

However, former Australia captain Ian Chappell criticised the Indian batters, particularly Cheteshwar Pujara and Shreyas Iyer, for "Australian-type batting" on the opening day in Indore. "There are some players in the Indian side that haven't convinced me that they're good players of spin bowling.

I thought that the Australians spooked India early on. A couple of things happened with the pitch. The Australian spinners bowled very accurately.

cricket Australia Cricket Team 2023 Rohit Sharma Matthew Kuhnemann Australia India

Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara both turned bowlers for India in the final overs on Day 5 of the fourth Test match against Australia in Ahmedabad on Monday. With the match headed for a draw, India skipper Rohit Sharma opted for unconventional bowling choices, but the duo did not disappoint as commentators were left impressed by their discipline. While Shubman Gill kept bowling on the stumps with his off-spin, Pujara's action and bowling style reminded former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar of legendary Australia spinner Shane Warne. Both players bowled one over each in the final session.

How Bad Was Shreyas Iyer's Injury? Rohit Sharma Shares Grave Observation

Shreyas Iyer's recurring lower back injury "isn't looking good at the moment", said India captain Rohit Sharma, who couldn't set a timeframe on the stylish right-hander's comeback to competitive cricket. Besides the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, Iyer could also miss the IPL for Kolkata Knigt Riders, a franchise he leads in the cash-rich league. Iyer, who was part of the playing XI, couldn't come out to bat during the Indian innings on the best batting surface after his right lower back problems resurfaced after fielding for more than 167 overs during the Australian innings.

Ravichandran Ashwin's Hilarious Reaction To Cheteshwar Pujara's Bowling Leaves Everyone In Splits

It was a rare sight on Monday as Cheteshwar Pujara was introduced into the bowling attack by India skipper Rohit Sharma. It was the final overs on Day 5 of the fourth Test match in Ahmedabad and the match was clearly headed towards a draw. Pujara bowled a tidy over and ended up conceding just one run which was lauded by the commentators. Pujara had a clean bowling action and former Indian cricket team skipper Sunil Gavaskar remarked on commentary that his bowling style even resembled the Australia great Shane Warne. Ravichandran Ashwin also had a brilliant reaction to his bowling.

Here's Why Shreyas Iyer Did Not Come Out To Bat In 4th Test vs Australia

India batter Shreyas Iyer did not walk out to bat after Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed on Day 3 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia. Instead, Ravindra Jadeja was promoted up the order. Similarly, on Day 4, wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat joined Virat Kohli in the middle after Jadeja got out, following a bizarre shot-selection. Now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has provided an update of Shreyas. The 28-year-old has picked up lower back pain and has been taken for scans.

Cheteshwar Pujara Achieves Unique Record, Joins Tendulkar, Laxman, Dravid in Elite List

The Mr. Consistent in Indian cricket when it comes to Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara, added a new feather to his cap as he became reached the 2000-run landmark in Tests against Australia. Pujara, whose place in the Indian team was questioned not too long ago, seems to have hit the purple patch once again, putting useful runs on the board for the Indian team. On Day 3 of the 4th Test against Australia, Pujara crossed the 2000-run mark in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a feat not achieved by any active Indian cricketer at present.

"Doesn't Make Any Sense": Australia Great Ridicules India's Ahmedabad Test Strategy

The Indian cricket team didn't get off to the finest of starts in the 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, with Usman Khawaja punishing the hosts with a century on the first day. While there's no denying that not much help was available from the surface to bowlers, Australia great Ian Chappell has also questioned the hosts' strategy to come around the wicket against left-handers, admitting that he couldn't understand the decision.