AUS vs IND 2024-25: Cheteshwar Pujara suggests changes in India's playing XI for Brisbane Test

After a phenomenal 295-run win in the first Test in Perth, India struggled in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, losing by 10 wickets. They made three changes to their winning squad as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill returned while R Ashwin replaced Washington Sundar in the playing XI. The veteran off-spinner had a tremendous record in Pink Ball Tests going into the second game but the he could not make a mark this time, picking up only one wicket.

Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara expects India to bring back Sundar for the third Test at Gabba, slated to begin on December 14. He explained that the batting unit flopped in the second Test and the visitors should have the all-rounder back to strengthen the lneup. The 36-year-old also expects the team management to back Harshit Rana, who had a tough time in the second Test after an impressive performance in the first.

“I feel only change might happen. Since the batting wasn't good, Washington Sundar can come in place of R Ashwin. Should someone come in place of Harshit Rana? In my opinion - no. You backed him and he performed well in the first match. The second match was bad for him,” Pujara told Star Sports.

Also Read - AUS vs IND 2024: 3 changes India might make for Gabba Test

“However, the team will have to support him. He is a good bowler. You cannot drop him just because one match went bad. We will have to see what the team management thinks but probably only change for me - if they feel the batting lineup needs strengthening, Washington can play for Ashwin,” he added. 

I think India should continue with Ashwin: Piyush Chawla

Piyush Chawla, however, did not agree with Pujara and mentioned that the Indian team management should continue with Ashwin as he did not bowl enough in the secondf game to be judged correctly. He also noted that the off-spinner can bat well and can score runs as Washington does.

“I think India should continue with Ashwin because he bowled 18-odd overs in that Adelaide Test, and he kept things really tight and picked up a wicket as well. So I don't think you need to go back to Washington Sundar because Ashwin can also get the amount of runs Washington Sundar is getting for you,” he reasoned.