‘By no means the doors are…’ – India skipper Rohit Sharma speaks about Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane’s comeback in Test squad

In preparation for the upcoming Test series against England, India skipper Rohit Sharma addressed the media in a traditional press conference. With Virat Kohli opting out of the first two Tests for personal reasons, Rohit shed light on the team’s strategy. He emphasised the significance of providing opportunities to younger players while keeping options open for veterans like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Rajat Patidar has been included in the squad for the initial Tests against England, and Rohi was asked about the team’s plans for Pujara and Rahane. Patidar’s selection is based on his impressive performances for India A against the England Lions, where he smashed 151 off 158 balls in the first four-day match. His inclusion adds depth to the batting lineup, especially with Kohli’s absence.

While speaking about it, Rohit hinted at a potential change in the team’s approach by looking beyond senior batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. While acknowledging the difficulty of sidelining experienced players who have contributed significantly to the team’s success, Rohit emphasised the importance of providing opportunities to younger talents.

The Indian skipper expressed his thoughts, stating, “Look, actually, we did think about it (going back to a senior player). But all these younger players, when are they going to get their opportunity? That’s something we thought, and I thought as well.”

Rohit Sharma keeps a ray of hope alive for Rahane and Pujara

Further explaining his comments, he said, “Leaving out an experienced player or not considering them is very hard. The number of runs they’ve scored, the kind of experience they’ve had, the number of games they have won for us—you know, it’s very hard to ignore all of that. But, you know, you sometimes have to bring certain players into your set-up as well.”

However, Rohit clarified that the decision to focus on younger players for the initial Tests doesn’t mean closing the doors on seasoned campaigners. He highlighted the importance of creating a balance and providing favourable conditions for emerging talents, preventing their exposure to unfamiliar foreign pitches.

“By no means, the doors are closed for anyone, you know, as long as they stay fit and keep scoring runs. Anyone will be welcomed back into the setup,” says Rohit Sharma. Meanwhile, Pujara, who was recently dropped from the squad after the World Test Championship final, has been making waves in domestic cricket. His achievement of surpassing 20,000 first-class runs puts him in an elite category alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, showcasing his enduring impact in the cricketing world.