Report: Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara’s Slots in Indian Test Team Now Belong to Someone Else

Veteran Indian cricketers Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have been left out of the squad for the two upcoming tests against South Africa. This news comes amidst the headlines regarding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli missing the white-ball leg of the Indian cricket team’s Tour of South Africa. Additionally, star pacer Umesh Yadav is also not part of the squad, raising concerns about Mohammed Shami’s availability due to his ongoing medical treatment.

Both Rahane and Pujara have been long-serving players for the Indian team in Test matches. Rahane has scored 5077 runs in 85 matches with an average of 38.46. His last Test appearance was in July during the West Indies tour. On the other hand, Pujara has played 103 Tests and scored 7195 runs at an average of 43.60. His last Test was against Australia in June.

According to news agency PTI, Rahane and Pujara may have played their last Tests, as their spots have been given to KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. Additionally, Gill will be batting in the middle order, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be given a chance in the team. These decisions have been made by the BCCI selection committee.

Rahane, who has previously shown remarkable leadership skills, led the Indian team to victory in the 2019-20 Border-Gavaskar trophy, earning him high praise. However, his performance has declined since then. The decision to appoint him as vice-captain for the West Indies series was met with astonishment by former India captain Sourav Ganguly. Ganguly suggested that Ravindra Jadeja would have been a better choice for the role.

The Indian squad for the upcoming tests against South Africa includes Rohit Sharma as captain, along with Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain, and Prasidh Krishna. However, Mohammed Shami’s availability is subject to his fitness as he is currently undergoing medical treatment.

In conclusion, the exclusion of Rahane and Pujara from the test squad for the South Africa tour has raised eyebrows, while KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have been given opportunities in their place. The upcoming tests will be crucial for the Indian team as they aim to secure victory against South Africa.