‘Nothing later than that’- Cheteshwar Pujara backs KL Rahul to bat in top order after Rohit Sharma’s return in BGT 2024-25

The current Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 saw the Indian team get off to a fantastic start. India defeated Australia by 295 runs in the opening Test of the series, which was played in Perth. The Indian team played well.

From Virat Kohli’s 81st international century to Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s 161-run hammer, there were a number of performances from the match that stood out. The supporters treasured many of the moments from the first Test. However, KL Rahul’s knock was one of the opening game’s most talked-about performances.

Rohit Sharma missed the first Test for personal reasons, thus Rahul opened for India in Perth. Rahul made a compelling argument for himself by opening the innings with 77 runs in 176 deliveries in the second session. Veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara spoke out about his performance and stated that Rahul should still bat in the top order for India even if Rohit Sharma is in the starting lineup.

“I believe that Rohit might enter at three and Shubman could enter at five if we can continue using the same batting order, such as KL and Yashasvi opening. KL should bat at number three if Rohit wishes to open. No more than that. He should bat near the top of the order, in my opinion, as it best fits his style of play. “I hope we don’t make any changes to that,” Pujara said.

He has the ability to negotiate the new ball: Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara also discussed where Shubman Gill, the star batsman, would play if he is available for the second Test. Gill might replace India in the middle order at number five, according to Pujara.

“No. 5 is ideal. He can navigate the new ball because it enables him to enter at a moment, even if we lose two wickets early. However, he can play his strokes if he enters the game after, say, 25 or 30 overs. His game comes naturally to him. Gill enters the game and saves Rishabh Pant for the old ball in the event that we lose the first three wickets too soon. The fresh ball is not required to be faced by [Pant]. When the ball is new and firm, I wouldn’t want him to come in to bat,” Pujara remarked.