Would prefer KL Rahul at No. 3 in Perth Test: Cheteshwar Pujara

With India preparing for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, the big question is about the critical No. 3 batting position. Shubman Gill's availability is in doubt due to a thumb fracture he sustained in the practice session a few days back. Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has given his suggestion on who could take up that spot.

Pujara, who has played crucial roles in India's success in previous Australian tours, is absent from the current tour. His performances in the 2018-19 and 2020–21 series, where he faced over 1200 and 928 deliveries, respectively, took the visitors out of tricky positions whenever required. Pujara mentioned his preference for KL Rahul at the crucial No. 3 position.

“I don’t know the batting order, but I would prefer KL Rahul at No. 3. He has the experience to handle the pressure," Pujara said during a conversation on Star Sports' 'Press Room' show.

It will be easier for KL to bat first-down: Pujara

The veteran batter also pointed to potential lineup plans, seeing the possibility of Devdutt Padikkal being considered to maintain a left-hand, right-hand batting combination. However, he believes Rahul would be the more comfortable choice for the first-down position.

“I’ve heard that Padikkal might be at No. 3 due to the left-hand, right-hand combination. But, I think, it will be easier for KL to bat first-down," Pujara added.

The opening slot is another challenge the mighty Indians are facing, with Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran in contention in the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma. Earlier, head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Rahul's batting flexibility, but his recent performances for India A were underwhelming.

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Padikkal is the frontrunner to replace Gill, having been retained in Australia despite a decent showing in the India A tour. The selection dynamics also involve potential debuts for young guns like, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is strongly hinted to make his Test debut. His all-round capabilities could provide the crucial balance India seeks in their playing XI.