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After India suffered an unexpected 2-1 defeat at the hands of a relatively inexperienced South African side, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have come under the radar once again. The duo had another disappointing series and it finally seems like the end of the road for both of them.
Virat Kohli, who has always backed the two batters, also seemed to have no answers when he was asked about their future. After the Test in Cape Town, he said, "I cannot sit here and discuss that is the selectors' job. We have continued to back Pujara and Rahane. But what selectors have in mind is something I cannot comment on."
A new era for India in Test cricket?
As per the latest reports, the selectors have notably taken the call and India are most likely to go under a mega transition in red-ball cricket now. According to PTI, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are set to be dropped for India's upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka beginning on February 25.
While Shubman Gill is reportedly set to play in the middle order, the other vacant spot will be taken by Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer. Rohit Sharma is also expected to make his comeback in the series against Sri Lanka and he will most likely replace Mayank Agarwal at top of the order.
If the whole situation transpires as reported, it is indeed going to be a new era in Test cricket for India as Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have been a key part of the Indian side in the longest format of the game, for around 10 years.