India tour Down Under: Cheteshwar Pujara could make a possible comeback

Cheteshwar Pujara, a key figure in India’s past Test successes in Australia, could be a surprise inclusion in the squad for the upcoming five-match Test series Down Under. The Indian selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, are expected to announce the team on October 28, and there is speculation that the 36-year-old veteran might make the cut due to his wealth of experience.

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Pujara was instrumental in India's victories on the last two tours of Australia. He was the top scorer in the 2018-19 series, amassing 521 runs from 1258 balls, and once again proved his resilience in 2020-21, contributing 271 runs from 928 balls. His ability to blunt the Australian pace attack, led by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, earned him a reputation as their nemesis.

Although Pujara has not represented India since the World Test Championship final in June 2023, his recent domestic form has been solid. In the last Ranji Trophy round, he scored a commanding 234 off 383 balls against Chhattisgarh, reminding everyone of his hunger for big runs.

If the selectors opt for experience, Pujara's ability to grind down bowlers could be pivotal in the challenging Australian conditions. With his history of facing more balls than any other batsman across both sides, Pujara's return could significantly bolster India's middle order.