India vs England 2024

Aakash Chopra believes Test careers of two Indian stalwarts are over

For a decade, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane were the bedrock of the Indian Test batting lineup. Stationed at the crucial numbers 3 and 5, they offered a masterclass in solidity, unflappable nerves, and pure Test match nous. Their bats, like unyielding shields, absorbed the blows, while their minds, like seasoned strategists, plotted victories inning after inning.

Their presence was not just about runs. It was about composure in the face of fire, a silent understanding that whispered of patience and resilience. Pujara, the immovable rock, grinding down bowlers with his unflappable defence. Rahane, the graceful artist, weaving magic with his elegant strokes. Their contrasting styles, like yin and yang, harmonized into a symphony of success for India.

They were the architects of countless overseas triumphs, their names echoing in the hallowed halls of Lord’s, Sydney, and Melbourne. The Gabba stand, a masterclass in grit, etched Pujara’s name in folklore. Rahane’s hundred in Melbourne, a beacon of hope in the darkest of times, cemented their place as heroes.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, once untouchable pillars of the Indian Test lineup, now find themselves at a crossroads. Inconsistent form in recent years, coupled with the emergence of talented young batsmen, has cast a shadow over their once-assured positions. Their recent omission from the squads for both South Africa and England underscores a shifting landscape in Indian Test cricket.

“I feel that chapter is closed”- Aakash Chopra

In a video that he uploaded on his YouTube channel after the squad announcement, former Indian cricketer, Aakash Chopra believes that it should not come as a surprise that Pujara and Rahane have not been picked. He went on to add that he feels that the ‘Pujara-Rahane’ chapter is now closed.

“The squad is along the expected lines. We had expected Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara not to be there. I feel that the chapter is closed. If you did not pick them in South Africa, that was the last opportunity to pick them. If you did not pick them there, you are not going back to them,” he said.

While acknowledging the closure of Pujara and Rahane’s Test chapter, Chopra didn’t dismiss Rahane’s continued relevance. He pointed out Rahane’s presence in the upcoming IPL season, hinting at a potential space for him to shine. “Ajinkya Rahane’s IPL career is alive, so he will stay relevant a little more because you become a part of the conversation whenever you do well in the IPL,” added Chopra.

As for Pujara, Chopra highlighted his unwavering commitment, praising his continued pursuit of runs at the Ranji level. “Cheteshwar Pujara scored a double century last week. He is the saint of cricket. He will keep scoring because he does not score runs only for selection. Half the world scores runs for selection. He plays cricket just because he likes batting,” said Chopra.