Despite India’s injury crisis, there is no chance for Cheteshwar Pujara and Mayank Agarwal. The duo has performed well in domestic cricket, yet the BCCI Selection Committee has decided to bank on Devdutt Padikkal instead. Padikkal has been brought into the squad in KL Rahul’s absence.
It can be well understood from this move that the board has decided to move away from Pujara and Agarwal. Despite their heroics in domestic cricket, the duo has been ignored time and again. KL Rahul’s injury was another instance when either of the duo, if not both could have been selected.
But no, the duo have not been taken into consideration. The team is now focused on giving opportunities to youngsters. As a result, the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel are set to receive their maiden call ups in the team.
It is not a case that Agarwal and Pujara didn’t have a chance. With India team plagued with injuries and Kohli missing and Iyer being dropped, there was a perfect chance for the duo to receive their call ups.
Cheteshwar Pujara has massed 673 runs for Saurashtra in the ongoing Ranji Trophy in 6 games. Mayank Agarwal on the other hand has been an able captain for Karnataka. Agarwal has managed 341 runs in 5 games.
But it is still no way home for the duo as the board continues to bank on youngsters. India are currently levelled on 1-1 in the ongoing 5 match Test series against England. The IND vs ENG 3rd Test in Rajkot is slated to commence on 15th February.