'Conditions are tough and he is struggling' - Salman Butt suggests Cheteshwar Pujara's replacement for third Test

The Indian openers have provided a steady start to the team in both the Tests and have strengthened the side. However, the middle order has struggled in recent times and that is raising concern for the team. Both Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara haven’t been able to hold the fort of the team. The former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has suggested a replacement for Pujara, who is going through a lean patch lately.

The Indian Test specialist hasn’t scored a century since 2019 and has registered a series of low scores recently. What stands as a major concern is a way he is getting out. His average since 2018 is 31, which is considerably lower than his career average of 45. Salman Butt has put his opinion on a probable player who can make it into the playing XI for the third Test replacing Pujara.

“Pujara is struggling. The conditions are also tough. If India want, they can give Suryakumar Yadav a chance. It all depends on what Virat Kohli thinks, what the coach thinks,” Butt said on his YouTube channel.

Pujara has failed so far but let’s give him one more Test: Samlan Butt

It is a no-brainer that Pujara has been a pivotal cog in the wheel of team India. He has taken the mantle of staying firm on the pitch and is termed as a dependable player in red-ball cricket. Considering his performances in the past, Butt pointed that it might be too early to drop him. Given his experience in the English conditions, he feels that despite Pujara’s current form one needs to count on him for another chance.

“As of now, three innings have been played. I feel it is too early to bring in a youngster in such testing conditions. It will be a really tough task for him. Pujara, on the other hand, is dependable and he has performed before in these conditions. He has failed so far but let’s give him one more Test,” Butt said.

The Indian team has a strong bench strength with the availability of Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw. The duo was roped in as replacements after Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill, and Avesh Khan were ruled out of the series owing to injuries. About the second Test, the hosts have batted out the entire day and have given a 27 run lead. Team India will now be keen to post a good target to defend it later.