- As Virat Kohli is set to return to playing XI in Mumbai, Rahul Dravid and Co. finds themselves in a very tricky situation with whom to replace.
- While Pujara scored 26 and 22 in the two innings, Rahane registered 35 and 4.
The ongoing 1st Test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur has led to some serious dilemmas for team management going forward. With KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma unavailable, it made way for Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal at the top but the youngsters failed to grasp their opportunity. While Mayank looked out of rhythm, Gill’s dismissals of Jamieson raised question marks over his technique.
But amid all this, the major talking points during the match were – Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. The captain and vice-captain for the Test have been under pressure in the last few months because of their poor form off late. And unfortunately for them, they once again had a poor outing in Kanpur.
While Pujara scored 26 and 22 in the two innings, Rahane registered 35 and 4. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer – who was on his debut – smashed a century and half-century in the contest, presumably sealing his place for the 2nd Test.
Kohli to replace Rahane or Pujara in 2nd Test?
As Virat Kohli is set to return to playing XI in Mumbai, Rahul Dravid and Co. finds themselves in a very tricky situation with whom to replace, with either or both between Rahane and Pujara set to be dropped for the next match.
The netizens also flooded Twitter with their opinions on the situation with most of them suggesting that it’s time for India to look beyond the experienced duo. Rahane and Pujara have played some match-winning knocks for the national side over the years which is why they have so much respect from the Indian cricket lovers but there is a common belief among the supporters now that the duo’s time is over.
A large section of supporters believed that the team should now consider the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill and other youngsters going forward, moving past Rahane and Pujara.
Check out the tweets:
Pujara and Rahane discussing their post retirement plans pic.twitter.com/a3bYSiHfiD
— heman was here (@royhly_) November 28, 2021
Have been an admirer of both Pujara & Rahane but it appears their time is over. They should make way for youngsters in the interest Indian cricket.
— Anil Swarup (@swarup58) November 28, 2021
Repeat after me:
Thank you Rahane and Pujara.
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) November 28, 2021
It's time to move forward in Indian Test Cricket and begin eyeing for Test Championship.
a) Let's begin to give more opportunities to Shreyas Iyer and youngsters in place of Rahane
b) A discussion on Pujara spot in XINo grudge on anyone but just an another random thought 🙂
— Prannesh (@prannesh_45) November 28, 2021
I think its time to drop Rahane and Pujara
KL-Ro as openers
Gill at no3 Iyer at 5
Kohli as usual no4— Sahil™ (@SAGO_istic) November 28, 2021
Pujara Aur Rahane , Wriddhiman Saha se Kucch shikhle ! #saha
— Gerua Bhakt 🇮🇳🚩👑 (@TempPritam17) November 28, 2021
In 2021, Rahane has had a below-par average of less than 20 while Pujara’s average of around 30 isn’t that impressive either. However, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar opined that Rahane is being targeted wrongly. The 72-year-old also termed his decision to not take DRS in the second innings as ‘selfless’ which did not go down well with the Indian fans. They criticized Gavaskar for defending a fellow cricketer from Mumbai.
Sunil Gavaskar is talking about Kohli at no. 3
Means team se koi bhi drop ho sakta siwaye Ajinkya Rahane ke#INDvNZ#AjinkyaRahane
Gavaskar sir is a Legend but he. praises & backs Rahane way too much.
Before the England series he was saying there is a conspiracy to oust Rahane pic.twitter.com/kJHRUBPxMb— Shoronjeet Banerjee 🇮🇳 (@shoronjeet02) November 28, 2021
Sunil Gavaskar called Rahane selfless for not taking a review. 🥴🥴🤦🏻♀️
— Chinmayee (@chinmayayy) November 28, 2021
Sunil Gavaskar legit called Ajinkya Rahane's act of not opting for a DRS as "selfless as ever"
The commentary standards keep going from bad to worse with every passing Cricket game!#INDvNZ
— Nish Navalkar (@YUVI_NISH) November 28, 2021
