The India vs Bangladesh Test is all set to start on September 19 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with many big names returning as the India squad has been announced. From Virat Kohli to Rishabh Pant, the squad features several superstars. However, one notable absence is veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara. That’s correct—Pujara has once again been sidelined from the Test team. With over 100 Test matches and 7,195 runs, so what could be the possible reason behind his exclusion?
Why Cheteshwar Pujara is not playing in India vs Bangladesh Test?
Pujara, who last played for India in the World Test Championship final in 2023, has been continuously out of the team since then. There could be many reasons for his exclusion. With Shubman Gill most likely set as the number 3 for India, having consistently played since the West Indies series last year, and Pujara now being 36 years old, it’s possible that the selectors are looking to move in a different direction. Although Pujara is currently performing well in the county championship with 372 runs in 8 innings, and has not been picked for the recently held Duleep Trophy, this could be the last nail in the coffin for his red-ball cricket career with India.
