The Indian team got off to a stellar start in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Taking on Australia in the first Test of the series in Perth, India managed to dominate the hosts and registered a 295-run victory against the side.
There were several performances that stood out from the clash; from Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 161-run knock to Virat Kohli’s 81st international ton, there were many moments from the first Test that the fans cherish. However, one of the most discussed performances from the first game has been the knock of KL Rahul.
Rahul opened for India in Perth as skipper Rohit Sharma missed the first Test due to personal reasons. Opening the innings, Rahul managed to score 77 runs in 176 deliveries in the second innings, and made a strong case for himself. Talking about his performance, veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara came forward and opined that Rahul should continue to bat for India in the top order even if Rohit Sharma is in the playing XI.
"I think, for some reason if we can carry on with the same batting order, like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman could come in at five. If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat at the top of the order, because it suits his game really well. I hope we don't tinker around with that,” Pujara told ESPNcricinfo.
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He is someone who can negotiate the new ball: Pujara
Furthermore, Cheteshwar Pujara talked about where ace batter Shubman Gill would play if he is available for the second Test. Pujara opined that Gill could slot in for India in the middle order at number five.
"Ideally No. 5. Because it allows him to come in at a time, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball. But if he walks in after, say, 25 or 30 overs, he can play his shots. He can play his natural game. And in case we lose the first three wickets early, Gill walks in and saves Rishabh Pant for the old ball. [Pant] doesn't have to face the new ball. I wouldn't want him to walk in to bat when the ball is hard and new,” Pujara said.
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