Cricketer turned commentator Cheteshwar Pujara reckons that India should stick with the same playing XI for IND vs AUS 2nd Test. Essentially, the veteran implied that Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin should continue to warm the bench in Adelaide. Incidentally, Ashwin is India’s leading wicket-taker in Pink Ball matches. India reaped the rewards after fielding a pace heavy bowling unit in Perth, with skipper Jasprit Bumrah leading from the front in making exploits against Australia.
Pujara wants Jadeja, Ashwin to sit out of IND vs AUS 2nd Test
In a video uploaded by ESPNCricinfo, Pujara categorically states that he finds no need for India to change their bowling line up for IND vs AUS 2nd Test. He heaped praise on debutant Harshit Rana for acing his role in Perth and for delivering both in terms of wickets and pace. Pujara gave a shoutout to Washington Sundar and backed him to retain his place in the XI, explaining that the all-rounder was named in the squad for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
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India have another viable all-rounder option in the form of young Nitish Kumar Reddy. With the bat, the AP all-rounder made scores of 41 and 38, including being the top-scorer for India in 1st innings at Perth where they were bundled out for just 150 runs. Although he bowled very little in comparison with other Indian pacers, Nitish Reddy managed to leave a mark with his fiery pace. He managed to get one wicket in Perth.
Reddy and Sundar tasted success in the Pink Ball warm-up game against Prime Minister’s XI as well. Both Reddy and Sundar enjoyed a brilliant outing with the bat as the two went on to score 42 runs each.
With India enjoying the success of the pacer trio of Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, it will be best if they leave the unit untouched for the 2nd Test. Sundar and Nitish Reddy are expected to retain their spots in the XI, which means that Ashwin and Jadeja have no option but to wait to make their return to India’s playing XI. Pace is expected to be favoured in the Pink Ball game at Adelaide and hence it will be all the more wise for India to keep the veteran duo benched.
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