The second Test between India and England has had quite a lot happening on Day 1 at Lord’s. While Rohit Sharma played a brilliant knock with the bat, James Anderson once again starred with the ball. While KL Rahul continued his impressive run of form in the United Kingdom, Virat Kohli also looked in good rhythm after getting dismissed on golden duck in the previous Test. With everyone getting back in form, there was still one major concern for Team India.
India’s No. 3 – Cheteshwar Pujara – continued to struggle as he got out without reaching the double figure mark. One of India’s most solid batsmen over the last few years has looked a shadow of himself in last few outings. Pujara’s scores in last 10 innings are: 9, 12*, 4, 15, 8, 17, 0, 7, 21, 15. The 33-year-old came into the series with a lot of pressure behind his back and he has not been able to justify the trust that the management has shown on him so far.
Pujara’s bad run in Tests continues
After negating the first few balls on Thursday, the fans started to believe that it could be the day when Cheteshwar Pujara will return to form. Having struggled against the incoming deliveries in recent times, India’s No. 3 looked very cautious with his defense in second Test.
Unfortunately, this time he chased an out-swinging delivery and edged the ball which went straight into the hands of Jonny Bairstow standing at third slip. He had to make a long way back to the pavilion with disappointment visible on his face.
https://twitter.com/Altofved/status/1425837552607514627
Fans want India to drop Pujara
As soon as Pujara got dismissed on Thursday, Twitter was flooded with posts demanding the team management to drop the batsman from next game. Some users went on to claim that Pujara should be happy that he is getting to play his last Test match at Lord’s.
Although there were some fans who still wanted India to stick with the 33-year-old considering what he has done for the side in past, others wanted Virat Kohli’s side to move on and look for replacements with players like Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav available for next match.
Check out the Tweets:
Cheteshwar Pujara is just that one innings away from finding his touch. Quality player. Unfortunately he has been out of form. In 23 innings at No.3 since 2020, he has scored just 552 runs at an average of 25. Played some gutsy innings in Australia though #ENGvIND
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) August 12, 2021
I think Pujara is playing his last Test match in the series #ENGvIND
— Samip Rajguru (@samiprajguru) August 12, 2021
That's a worrying innings from Cheteshwar Pujara. He appeared to have totally lost his off-stump. No need to play at that delivery or a number of previous ones. The pressure grows on India's number three #ENGvIND
— Rob Johnston (@RobJ_Cricket) August 12, 2021
Waiting for people to comment "drop pujara and add sky". #EngvInd
— Manik Lamba (@imaniklamba) August 12, 2021
@imVkohli Very sad to see a player of Aswhin's calibre not included in the playing XI and inspite of repeated failures Pujara and Rahane given unlimited opportunities.
— Vivek (@vivek369) August 12, 2021
Likely #Pujara will face the axe soon.
— Prasanth S 🇮🇳 (@sprasanths) August 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/Dharmdhwajyadav/status/1425862729353543685
Is that last test for Pujara? @imVkohli @BCCI @cheteshwar1 @RaviShastriOfc
— @imJoelfinney (@JoelJoelfinney) August 12, 2021
Pujara should be dropped
— Dhan Panchal (@dhan_panchal) August 12, 2021
Infact next innings will be Pujara's last https://t.co/XnRab3kVLW
— mathew abraham (@mathewcbabraham) August 12, 2021
What ails Pujara? Do remember, India owes a large part of the last two Australia away series wins. Hope Kohli sticks with him for another test match. #pujara #INDvENG
— Sports_Sethu (@writersneh) August 12, 2021
