As an avid cricket fan, you have likely followed Cheteshwar Pujara’s career with great interest. His classical batting style and rock-solid defense have made him a mainstay in the Indian Test team middle order. However, Pujara’s recent form has come under scrutiny as his last century came over 2 years ago. There is no doubt Pujara has immense talent and skill. When he is on song, he can bat for days and score big. But as with any batsman, form is temporary and Pujara seems to be struggling. His place in the team for the upcoming Australia tour will depend heavily on his performance in the remaining 2 Test matches against Bangladesh. As Pujara walks out to bat in the second Test, all eyes will be on him to see if he can turn things around and find his rhythm again. His future in the Indian team hangs in the balance. Can Cheteshwar Pujara silence his critics and cement his place again? Only time will tell.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Recent Performances: A Closer Look
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Batting in Recent Test Series
Over his last 5 Test series, Cheteshwar Pujara’s batting average is 52.66, including 4 centuries and 6 half-centuries. However, his strike rate of 42.33 runs per 100 balls faced is a concern.
In the 2018-2019 Border-Gavaskar Trophy vs Australia, Pujara was a standout performer. He amassed 521 runs at an average of 74.42, demonstrating patience, resilience and skill against a world-class bowling attack. His 3 centuries, including a 193 in Sydney, were instrumental in India’s first ever Test series win in Australia.
Pujara’s batting was solid in the 2019 home series vs South Africa, scoring 215 runs at 53.75. He struggled in the 2-match series vs Bangladesh though, managing just 91 runs at 30.33. His 42 off 147 balls in the Day/Night Test at Eden Gardens drew criticism for his ultra-defensive approach.
The 2019-2020 tour of New Zealand saw Pujara’s poorest returns in over 2 years. In 2 Tests, he scored just 94 runs at 23.50 with a strike rate of 26.37. He appeared ill at ease against the moving ball and swing-friendly conditions.
While Pujara’s batting average and consistency make him invaluable in Test cricket, questions remain about his scoring rate and ability to accelerate when needed. He will need to adapt his technique and mindset to different conditions and match situations for continued success and to cement his place in India’s Test team. Overall though, his skill, experience and temperament mean he should remain an integral part of India’s batting lineup for years to come.
Factors Contributing to Pujara’s Struggles With Form
Cheteshwar Pujara has struggled with form over the past year, contributing to a drop in rankings and questions about his place in India’s Test team. Several factors have likely impacted Pujara’s performance and confidence recently.
Lack of Match Practice
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced Pujara’s time facing live bowling, with few tour matches or first-class fixtures available. Without adequate match practice, Pujara may have felt underprepared facing international attacks, hindering his timing and footwork. Facing world-class bowlers requires peak precision and focus, difficult to achieve with little recent experience in the middle.
Technical Issues Exposed
Pujara’s technique, while usually very sound, relies heavily on a stable base and precise movements. Any small technical flaws become exposed when lacking match practice and facing high-quality attacks. Minor errors in Pujara’s stance, grip, or backlift may have been highlighted, and with little chance to make corrections, began to undermine his performances. Identifying and remedying any technical problems will be key to Pujara’s return to form.
Mounting Pressure
As Pujara’s struggles continued, the pressure to score runs and justify his place in the team intensified. Pujara has acknowledged that pressure and expectations impacted his batting, leading to a more frenetic and uncharacteristic approach at times. With media scrutiny and questions around his selection, Pujara will need strong mental resilience and a return to his trademark patience to overcome this pressure and rediscover his best form.
Overall, lack of match practice, small technical issues, and increasing pressure have likely all contributed to Pujara’s loss of form recently. With dedicated work in the nets, more match time, and a refreshed mindset, Pujara has the skill and determination to put these struggles behind him and re-establish himself for India. His role in India’s Test team and his undoubted talent make his return to form and prolific run-scoring a priority.
What the Future Holds for Pujara in Team India
Cheteshwar Pujara has been a stalwart of the Indian Test team middle-order for several years. However, his recent string of low scores has called into question his place in the side. His form and future role merit evaluation.
Current Form
Pujara’s form in the past year has undoubtedly been poor. In his last 10 Test innings, he has passed 50 just once and averages under 30. His tentative approach and susceptibility outside off-stump have been exposed. While Pujara has faced world-class bowling attacks, his difficulties are concerning. His confidence appears shaken and questions have been raised over his selection.
Role in the Team
Pujara plays the role of sheet anchor in the Indian batting line-up, providing stability while others play more aggressively. His ability to bat long periods was instrumental in famous Indian wins, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. While the demands of the anchor role remain, Pujara must find ways to score at a faster rate to relieve pressure on partners. He requires runs to justify his place and selection in upcoming series.
Future Prospects
Pujara’s experience and past contributions should provide him opportunities to regain form. However, with talented young batsmen emerging, his position is under threat if improvement does not follow. Upcoming series against New Zealand and South Africa may be decisive for Pujara. He will likely retain selection for these tours, but his performance will determine if he remains a long-term option. At 32, time is against Pujara, but his determination and skills suggest he can overcome recent struggles if provided further opportunity. His success or otherwise may significantly impact India’s fortunes.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, Cheteshwar Pujara’s form in Test cricket has been quite concerning over the past couple of years. His once-stellar averages and consistency seem to have deserted him. However, at only 32 years of age, his career is far from over. With experience and skill on his side, as well as a proven track record of success at the highest levels, Pujara has all the tools to turn things around. If he can regain confidence in his technique, shore up his defenses, and rediscover the patience and shot selection that served him so well earlier in his career, he can re-establish himself as a stalwart of India’s Test batting lineup.