"There Is Space For Cheteshwar Pujara": Ex-India Star's Big Message For Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma

India will need someone like KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran, who can play conventional style of cricket, during the challenging tour of Australia and there is space for veteran Cheteshwar Pujara in the Test side, reckons former batter Robin Uthappa. The Indian batting lineup, brimming with stroke players, has come under intense scrutiny ahead of the five-match Test series Down Under. The pressure to play high-quality cricket and deliver has mounted in the wake of humiliating 0-3 whitewash by New Zealand at home. "We need someone defensive, someone who can play conventional, traditional Test cricket. As of now, KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are the ones who can play that role," Uthappa, expert JioCinema & Sports18, said in a virtual media interaction.

"I don't see anyone else who can take on that responsibility. Everyone likes to play positively, aggressively, and score runs at a quick pace, including someone like Shubman Gill. He is a natural stroke-player, and if you ask him to play that slow role, he may not enjoy it. You might be taking away his game." Pujara had played a key role in India's historic wins Down Under in 2018-19 and 2020-21 but this time India will be travelling him as Saurashtra veteran has fallen out of favour.

"KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran can really play that anchor role, with everyone else revolving around them. Honestly, I still believe there's space for someone like Pujara in the Test team," Uthappa added.

Uthappa also spoke on India's four-match T20I series against South Africa saying the contest would help Sanju Samson consolidate his position in the team after his splendid show against Bangladesh.

"He has the confidence of the coaching staff and the leadership group, something he lacked