Cheteshwar Pujara considered for last three Tests against England – report makes big claim Cricket News

Indian cricket team batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was reportedly being considered for the last three Tests against England in the recently concluded series, but chief selector Ajit Agar Ajit Agarkar decided to select young player Devdutt Padikkal. KL Rahul was absent due to injury ahead of the third Test match in Rajkot and Padikkal was included in the Indian squad. Reports suggest that Pujara is being considered due to his impressive domestic record, but Agarkar believes Padikkal’s height will be an added advantage against the England bowlers and he has also performed well in the Ranji Trophy.

“It was Agarkar who came up with Jurel’s name. The team management didn’t have much confidence in him as he was still a rookie. A youngster who didn’t have many red-ball opportunities in the top league was chosen to go straight into the Indian team .An important series like England is always a brave decision but Agarkar has seen enough to give the youngster a reassurance,” a BCCI source told Hindustan Times.

“There was talk about Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored runs in the Ranji Trophy. The batting line-up is virtually inexperienced. But Agarkar is firmly looking ahead to Padikkal (Padikkal’s) choice. He was there when he hit a flowing 150 in the Ranji Trophy. The trophy and he believed his height would come in handy against the inexperienced English spinners,” the source added.

Padikkal eventually made his debut for India in the final Test in Dharamshala, and the left-hander smashed 65 in the first innings and looked in control against the England bowlers.