SRH's aggressive batting has come under scrutiny by experts. SRH is poised to play the aggressive type of cricket and they have acquired players like that only, it's ok to be aggressive in T20 cricket but losing your senses is also not variable, what SRH did in the first game repeated in the next two games also but there came the difference from the second match, the approach of hitting the ball is Ok, but you have lost wickets you have to understand that. 
Experts have criticised the style of cricket they play but not the approach they possess. The idea behind going for an all out attack sounds interesting but it's a sport of team if one goes out you have not to charge immediately, it adds pressure to the next coming batsmen which is not yet right for the situation they claim that's the reason they have lost their both of their matches. Sometime you have to respect the condition you play.

Read More: Top three players to watch LSG vs PBKS

Bishop And Pujara On Their Thoughts

Two legends of cricket are really unhappy with the approach which SRH team are taking because they highly depend on aggressive batting, Pujara states that SRH captain Pat Cummins has to think that every time you win the toss doesn't mean you have batted first, in the afternoon game the pitch always play on slow side and that's where you normally prefer to bowl first. That is the correct time to bowl first not to bat. I thought they would choose to bowl first but did the opposite to that, If you talk about their batting I think they are going too hard and were not smart enough to analyze the situation. 
The legendary cricketer Ian Bishop also feels the same that their template is ok, but you know one guy is hitting then it's the responsibility of the senior to carry forward the innings. Aniket and Klassen had a good recovery from the 4-wicket loss but what you did was a mistake there, if one is going you have to hold the other end which is usually done. But you too going for boundaries is asking for trouble. It may look like it's going well but it lapses the concentration of the other on whether to attack or not. 
And you being the senior partner have to hold on you know that everything can be compensated at the right time but immediate launching landed in trouble for you these are the small mistakes you have to correct. SRH have lost their two consecutive matches in the same fashion so they have to rethink what they can do better. 

Two of the top Indian cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane missed out on centuries in an exhilarating series of Ranji Trophy. In both cases, fans will be thrilled by the amazing skill and determination that had fans on the edge of their seats for another knock.

Cheteshwar Pujara Century Close Call:

Saurashtra star batter Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for 99 runs when his side faced Assam in Niranjan Shah Stadium Rajkot. He continued to bat for Pujara who went on to make a fine innings scoring 167 and striking 10 fours. Pujara's score was crucial in also propelled Saurashtra to set a big target for the opposition, Than being just a run short of a century.
Saurashtra was well placed at the end of Day 1 on 361/3 thanks largely to Pujara, done us all proud. He is a let-down to fall short of a century but the performances he has given have shown we can rely on him and anchor the innings. The 67th first-class century of his illustrious career is a telling testament to how long Cheteshwar Pujara has played.

ALSO READ:Watch:Virat Kohli dismissed by Himanshu Sangwan in Today's ranji Trophy match vs Railway

Ajinkya Rahane inches close to a century

Meanwhile, The captain of Mumbai Ajinkya Rahane also got a near-century in their Meghalaya match. Starting the day at 83, the overnight score was looking pretty straightforward for Rahane with just 13 runs more he was on the course of 100. he was out for 96. Rahane’s inning was among the best so far this season for the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy and in fact his first half-century of the tournament.

Rahane was pivotal in Mumbai’s progress with the bat, he took care of leading his team and giving a good performance. His classy batting and knack of scoring runs under pressure is something that always makes Rahane one of the prime players for Mumbai. Rahane didn't get past the milestone with this one, but it was still massively important.

Pujara missed his century by 1 run
Rahane missed his century by 4 runs
Kohli missed his century by 94 runs💔 pic.twitter.com/Hvwl0tWyBd

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) January 31, 2025

Cheteshwar Pujara: The Missing Piece in India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy Campaign

Reports have surfaced suggesting that Indian Men's Team Head Coach Gautam Gambhir recommended the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, the BCCI Selectors declined his request during the team selection meeting prior to the tour. This decision has gained significance as India's batting performance in Australia this year has been underwhelming.

India's Batting Struggles in Australia

During the series, major names such as Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli just couldn't make a mark like they usually do. Kohli did hit a century in his second turn during the first game but his game has been up and down, especially with getting out on balls outside off-stump which reminds everyone of when he used to struggle with that before.

This inconsistent hitting from them is a strikingly large reason why India hasn't been doing great in the series.

ALSO READ:India's 2025 Cricket Calendar: England Series, Champions Trophy, Asia Cup, and Australia Tour Fixtures

Pujara's Role and Strengths

Pujara is famous for wearing down bowlers and creating strong partnerships, which makes him a key player to steady the batting lineup. The team really misses having someone who can help make things steady between the top and middle players like he does, especially in the current series. It's a major issue that they're thinking about bringing Cheteshwar Pujara back into the group because he's great at holding an innings together with his top-notch defensive skills.

🚨 GAUTAM GAMBHIR WANTED PUJARA IN TEAM INDIA FOR BGT 🚨

- Gautam Gambhir wanted Cheteshwar Pujara in Team India's Squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy but the selectors shot it down. Even after Perth Test Match, Gambhir was still talking about Pujara. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/NZRqas1UyK

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 1, 2025

Pujara's Past Performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

2018-19 Series in Australia

Pujara was a total leader in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and you notice it. He obtained 521 runs in just seven innings over four matches, which had everyone talking. He obtained three centuries and also scored fifty runs, boasting an average of 74.42. Among his best performances were:

A marathon 193 in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which consumed 373 balls and ensured a draw.

A gritty 123 in the first match.

A remarkable 106 during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

2020-21 Series in Australia

During the 2020-21 series, Pujara hit a total of 271 runs. The Brisbane Gabba test was an important game, where his score of 56 from 211 balls showed how tough and gritty he could be, playing a major role in India's key win by staying strong against constant, very fast bowling.

Pujara's Test Career in Numbers

Pujara is a really solid and reliable batsman in Test cricket, having played 103 matches. He's scored 7,195 runs from 174 innings, which averages out to 44 runs every game he plays. Among those runs, he's hit 19 hundreds and 34 fifties, with his top score being a very high 206 runs without getting out against England. His track record seriously shows how valuable he is on the team.

India's Struggles in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Today, India is losing 2-1 in the series, and they are having a hard time with batting. Even though they tried putting Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in key roles, both of them didn't manage to do well consistently. The match in Brisbane that ended in a draw really showed how the middle-order can't hold together and make the most of the chances they get.

Gambhir's Concerns and Australian Bowlers' Perspective

Gambhir's very upset because the batting's been awful for a long time and he told the team how bad it was. He was very upset that the players were apparently concentrated on demonstrating their own skills instead of playing as a team. Gambhir kept saying they must hold to the plan they agreed on before the meeting, and not only make content as they go.

He made it extremely unmistakeable that working together is significantly more important than trying to be a solo star.

Josh Hazlewood, the Australian bowler, was very happy that Pujara wouldn't be playing. Hazlewood really meant exactly what he said, that Pujara had a major effect because of how he could just stay at the crease forever, make the bowlers tired, and was always good when playing in Australia. He is someone who bats time and makes you earn his wicket every time, is actually how Hazlewood put it, showing that he really thought Pujara mattered a lot for India winning.

Hazlewood's comments before the series really shone a light on how crucial Pujara was.

From the highs of India's glorious Test win in Perth, the 10-time BGT title champs came crashing down in Adelaide where they were folded in less than two and half days on the back of a thumping 10-wicket defeat. Former Indian Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara commented on India's recent defeat in Adelaide and highlighted key changes that India must make ahead of their crucial third Test.

Pujara offers two possible solutions to India that can help them stay alive in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (2024-25) series.  First, the 36-year-old stressed that an underperforming Ravi Ashwin must make way for Washington Sundar who had a sizeable impact in the first Test. And second, he insisted the Indian think tank to retain Harshit Rana for the third Test despite his hot-and-cold show in Adelaide. 

See also: WTC qualification scenarios for top four teams teams

So what's on Pujara's mind?

During his conversation with Star Sports, Pujara presents a visual depiction of what India's potential playing eleven may look like at the start of the third Test. He feels only one change may be necessary and R Ashwin can miss out due to his poor show with the bat in Adelaide. But at the same time, he expresses his support for Rana who failed to deliver an all-round impact with the bat and the ball.

“I feel only one change might happen. Since the batting wasn't good, Washington Sundar can come in place of R Ashwin. Should someone come in place of Harshit Rana? In my opinion, no. You backed him and he performed well in the first match.”

The suggestion to pick Sundar over Ashwin seems justified as Ashwin failed to help himself with the bat when his team needed him and only managed to pick up a sole wicket. Whereas on the contrary, Sundar is comparatively a more astute all-rounder and can come in more than handy with the bat in fairly tricky conditions. He showcased his class with the bat and the ball chipping in with a handy 29 in the second innings and picking 2-48 with the ball to hand India one of their biggest Test wins against Australia.

Rana showed a lot of promise with the ball in the first Test and picked up three crucial wickets in the first innings but failed to live up to the expectations when all eyes turned to the pink-ball Test. He proved to be very erratic with his control and leaked a significant chunk of runs while going completely wicketless.

Moreover, Pujara feels that removing a player after one ordinary performance can lead to a negative impact on a player's physiological health. 

As it stands

India's horror show with the bat has led to the undoing in the second Test. In both innings, team India failed to go past the 200-run mark. Moreover, the form of batting stalwarts such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has also been a cause for concern. Apart from their brilliant fightback in Perth which saw them post 487 for the loss of six wickets, India's batting has lacked the edge and the resilience for which it had been so famously renowned for. 

With the series level at 1-1, India needs a win in Brisbane to keep their WTC aspirations alive. At present, the management is currently confronted with challenging choices concerning the selection of the playing eleven.

In the ecosystem of intense cricket rivals, the India vs Australia clash, a.k.a, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has always aroused a sense of anticipation for a fierce game amongst many cricket fanatics. Hailed as one of the best vs. best series, the tournament has provided some wholesome cricketing action and moments meant to be remembered for the coming ages of the sport.

One such aspect would be the batters who did the trick with their willows and struck memorable batting performances, making it a treat to the eye. That said, amongst many from the list, here's a list of the top five batting innings from the Indian roster that has defined a whole of what a Border-Gavaskar Trophy matchup looks like. 

Rahul Dravid: 233 runs off 446 balls in Adelaide 2003-04

Rahul Dravid played an essential part in India's victory in the Adelaide test during the 2003/04 tour. Australia scored 556 runs, with Ricky Ponting contributing 242. In response, India was reduced to 85/4, and VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid came together. The two struck a massive 303-run stand for the fifth wicket to get India back into the game. Rahul Dravid scored 223 runs off 446 balls, while Laxman contributed 148. Dravid smashed 22 fours and one six in his knock, helping India score 523 runs. Australia responded 196 to Ajit Agarkar's 6/41, giving India just 230 runs to win. After Virender Sehwag had a terrific start, Dravid stepped in again. Dravid spearheaded the chase with 72*, helping India to scalp a convincing victory by four wickets.

Virat Kohli: 116 runs off 213 balls in Adelaide 2011-12

Virat Kohli produced a fantastic innings of 116 runs off 213 deliveries at the Adelaide Oval in January 2012 during India's fourth and final Test tour of Australia. In the first innings, a young Virat showed talent, commitment, and poise against a formidable Australian bowling attack. He played with a good attitude, counterattacking when appropriate and defending well when needed. Kohli's century in Adelaide was his first Test century, and it was noteworthy, as he demonstrated excellent shot selection, timing, and footwork, allowing him to collect runs easily. Although India eventually lost the match, the youngster's innings made an indelible impact and laid the groundwork for his future success.

Cheteshwar Pujara: 193 runs off 373 balls in Sydney 2018-19

India had a 2-1 lead going into this match and was confident of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the end of the series. Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been immaculate throughout the series, is determined to put on a show for the last time to assist India achieve its goal. Pujara demonstrated his typical calm, discipline, and resistance when dealing with the dangerous Australian onslaught. However, he used every opportunity to knock the poor deliveries away, scoring 22 boundaries in his innings of 193 runs off 373 deliveries. As Pujara continued to pile up the runs, Australia's last-ditch bid to escape a series triumph faded. The batter appeared unstoppable at times, and his psychological drain on the opposition's bowling assault may have played a vital role in India's historic series triumph.

Also Read: Top 5 Memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches played in Australia

 Virat Kohli: 169 runs off 272 balls in Melbourne 2014-15

In December 2014, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Virat Kohli produced one of his best Test innings against Australia. On the first day of the Boxing Day Test, Kohli showed incredible determination and perseverance. He scored an impressive 169 runs off 272 deliveries, including 30 boundaries. His performance was critical in stabilising the Indian innings and laying a firm foundation for the squad. This innings demonstrated Kohli's ability to thrive under challenging conditions and against top-tier competition. Notably, Kohli's effort at the MCG in 2014 helped India take a significant first-innings lead, but the team could not win the match.

Rishabh Pant: 89* runs off 138 balls in Brisbane 2020-21

The victory in the Brisbane Test (Gabba) Test in 2021 is widely regarded as one of the most defining moments in Indian cricket history, thanks to Rishabh Pant's unbeaten match-winning knock of 89 runs off 138 deliveries, anchoring India's successful chase of 328 runs, the highest-ever target chased at the Gabba. In addition, against all odds, the Indian cricket team won a surprising series triumph over Australia at the tough 'Fortress Gabba,' a location where Australia had not lost a Test since 1988. Pant, who finished fifth, demonstrated maturity and control. Pant, known for his aggressive and reckless batting style, was unconcerned about the occasion's scenario or pressure. 

India vs. Australia has been one of the most exciting rivalries in cricket history, delivering unforgettable matches since their first encounter in 1947-48. The contrasting playing conditions in the two countries add a layer of intrigue, making every series unique. Over the decades, many Indian batters have risen to the challenge, dominating Australian bowlers at home and away.

Here’s a look at the top five Indian batters who have scored the most runs against Australia in Test cricket.

5. Virat Kohli – 2042 Runs

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has an outstanding record against Australia across formats. In Test cricket, he ranks fifth among Indians with the most runs against the Aussies.

In 25 matches, Kohli has amassed 2042 runs at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries (the second-most by an Indian vs. Australia) and five half-centuries. His highest score of 186 reflects his dominance with the bat. Kohli's leadership was historic; under him, India secured their first-ever Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara – 2074 Runs

Known for his grit and resilience, Cheteshwar Pujara has been a thorn in Australia’s side. Between 2010 and 2023, Pujara played 25 Tests against them, scoring 2074 runs at an average of 49.38.

Pujara was instrumental in India’s victories in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, emerging as the highest scorer in 2016-17 and 2018-19, and the second-highest in 2020-21. His tally includes five centuries and 11 half-centuries, proving his consistency across challenging conditions.

3. Rahul Dravid – 2143 Runs

Rahul Dravid, often referred to as The Wall, was a dependable batter for India in tough situations. Against Australia, he played 32 Tests between 1996 and 2012, scoring 2143 runs at an average of 39.68.

Dravid's contributions included two centuries and 13 half-centuries. His memorable 233 at Adelaide in 2003, and his partnership with VVS Laxman at Eden Gardens in 2001, underline his significance in India’s Test cricket history.

2. VVS Laxman – 2434 Runs

VVS Laxman had a special connection with playing against Australia, producing some of his career-best performances. He scored 2434 runs in 29 Tests between 1998 and 2012 at an impressive average of 49.67.

His innings of 281 at Eden Gardens in 2001 remains one of the greatest Test knocks of all time, helping India achieve a famous comeback win. Laxman’s six centuries and 12 half-centuries against Australia further highlight his ability to perform under pressure.

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1. Sachin Tendulkar – 3630 Runs

The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar tops the list with 3630 runs against Australia, the most by any Indian and second-most overall in Test cricket. Tendulkar played 39 Tests against Australia from 1991 to 2013, averaging 55 with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries.

His innings of 241 not out in Sydney in 2004 showcased his mastery over the Australian bowlers. Tendulkar’s consistency and ability to rise to the occasion made him the Aussies’ biggest challenge for over two decades.

The India-Australia rivalry in Test cricket is more than just a contest—it’s a battle of grit, skill, and legacy. These five batters have left an indelible mark on this storied competition, inspiring generations of cricketers and fans alike.

Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara smashed his 25th Ranji Trophy century in the second round for Saurashtra against Chattisgarh in Rajkot. Batting on Monday, Pujara reached his ton in 197 balls as Saurashtra pursued Chattisgarh’s 578/7d first-innings total as well. However, Pujara scored his 66th First-Class century, surpassing Brian Lara’s tally in the format as well.

Cheteshwar Pujara recently found himself at the center of an IPL-related whirlwind after his cryptic post related Supperkings. A simple social media move by the seasoned cricketer led to a flood of speculations among the hopeful Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans.

Recent Events Leading to Confusion

On April 14, Pujara took to social media to make an announcement that left many thinking he would be joining the IPL fray this season with CSK, potentially replacing players like Devon Conway or Ajinkya Rahane. This speculation was fueled further by the ambiguous nature of his post.

See Also: Watch: MS Dhoni spotted limping after MI clash, coach provides injury update

The Social Media Tease

The post that started it all was a simple, yet cryptically worded message from Pujara, hinting at spending the season with “SupperKings.” This play on words was enough to send the rumor mill into overdrive.

Fan Reactions and Speculations

CSK fans, always eager for strong additions to their squad, began theorizing how Pujara could fit into the team’s dynamics, especially given his reputation in Test cricket. The excitement was palpable, with discussions spanning from social media platforms to fan forums.

The Real Story Behind Pujara’s Post

However, the entire episode turned out to be a misunderstanding. Reports clarified that Pujara’s joining CSK was merely a hoax and his actual involvement was unrelated to any IPL team changes.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar_pujara)

His Role in Zomato’s New Campaign

The subsequent post from Pujara cleared the air, revealing his involvement in a new advertising campaign for Zomato, alongside celebrities like actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu and actor Ranveer Singh. The playful caption, “No one was harmed in this collab! We cool,” put to rest any further speculations.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zomato (@zomato)

Cheteshwar Pujara, a name synonymous with resilience in Test cricket, is no stranger to the limelight. Although primarily known for his stoic presence in the longest format of the game, Pujara’s recent activity off the field caused quite the stir among the vibrant IPL community.

CSK’s Current Season Performance

Meanwhile, CSK continues to perform well in the IPL 2024, securing another victory against Mumbai Indians and maintaining a strong position in the league standings. With this, they are now currently 3rd in the IPL points table with 8 points in six matches.

Cheteshwar Pujara‘s social media post set off a frenzy among Chennai Super Kings (CSK) supporters just hours before their highly anticipated IPL 2024 match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. The post quickly went viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sparking speculation among fans about his potential return to the franchise after three years.

Cheteshwar Pujara shares on X

As CSK gears up for their fifth match of the season against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians, the excitement among fans is palpable. While Mumbai Indians have a strong record at home, winning their last two matches after a series of initial losses, Chennai Super Kings are yet to secure a victory away from their home ground, having lost both their previous matches outside Chepauk.

In the history of T20 cricket, CSK has a 17-21 head-to-head record against their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians. At Wankhede Stadium, CSK has a win-loss record of 4-7 against Mumbai. Although CSK lost two of their last three matches at the venue, they emerged victorious in the 2023 encounter.

Pujara’s tweet before the crucial clash ignited speculation among fans about his potential return to CSK after last playing for the franchise in 2021. While some fans eagerly welcomed the star Indian batter back to the team, others expressed concern about CSK’s strategy. Interestingly, some fans noted a subtle twist in Pujara’s tweet – it featured “#SupperKings” instead of “Super Kings,” suggesting a possible promotional activity within the CSK camp or a different venture altogether.

See Also: IPL 2024: Shikhar Dhawan is out from PBKS for 7 days; Here is why!

Pujara’s tweet sparks buzz among CSK fans

Pujara, who has played for four different IPL franchises, has scored 390 runs in 30 matches, with a single half-century to his name. However, his last IPL appearance was in 2014 for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). Although he was part of CSK in 2021, Pujara did not feature in the starting XI during that season.

The selection for the West Indies tour prior to the Duleep Trophy left a lot wondering on the direction of the Indian Team. They left out some big stars coming into the tour with Cheteshwar Pujara and Suryakumar Yadav dropped while Sarfaraz Khan, who has been churning the big score endlessly and Abhimanyu Easwaran, another domestic superstar has missed out.

Both Sarfaraz and Easwaran have not found too many takers with the Indian Team while India finally may be moving on from Pujara, who has been a fixture in the line-up at number three for the last 13 years. Suryakumar Yadav though may not have things as easy. He got a chance to play one Test, did not do much or get much of an opportunity to make a mark, and was left out later. Now, with Rahane back as vice-captain, the road back for Suryakumar looks a lot longer.

The Duleep Trophy though gave the four batters an opportunity to push a claim for themselves. Abhimanyu though could not make a mark with 11 runs across two innings as he was undone by some good bowling. Sarfaraz too after scoring loads of runs again proved vulnerable against quality bowing in the Duleep Trophy, He fell without scoring much to the short ball and will also be waiting for a chance to stake another claim.

Pujara, recently dropped from the Test squad again, decided to challenge himself in the Duleep Trophy. He found some runs getting back to the grind and making a second innings century, and will have an opportunity to continue to score runs as he goes back to England to continue his County commitments with Sussex.

Suryakumar Yadav, dropped after one Test and a lot of time around the squad once again proved to be a sticky candidate for hte long game. He was out nicking to slips for a low score and it will be interesting to see what the immediate future holds for him too.