‘Someone like…’: Cheteshwar Pujara wants this star at No. 3 against Australia. Not Shubman Gill

The 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy begins on Friday when India takes on Australia in the first Test of the five-match series in Perth. The Indian team will be entering unfamiliar territory with a veteran batter. Cheteshwar Pujarawho was an important driving force in the team’s last two Test series triumphs in Australia, but was not part of the team on the long tour. Pujara, who is part of the official commentary team for the series, believes Test cricket is moving in a different direction as white-ball players offer a new approach to the game in the longest format of the game.

Young dough Shubman Gillwho answered “no”. Number three, a position Pujara has held for over a decade, is likely to miss the first game at the Optus Stadium due to a thumb injury.

Gill’s task against Australia will not be easy, but Pujara wants the youngster to prove his technique and show his personality.

“Shubman has already played Tests in Australia. He has experience working in such conditions. He must stick to his style and play according to it. But he needs to have a clear understanding of which shots to play and which shots to avoid because many of the shots in Australia that you play in India cannot be played,” Pujara said in a conversation organized by Star Sports.

Pujara also advised Gill to be a little thoughtful while choosing his shots in the future.

“He needs to evaluate his strengths and identify the shots he should avoid. But he is a very talented player with a wide range of shots in his repertoire. However, in Australia there are often many blows to be avoided. He needs to identify and avoid it,” he added.

However, Pujara wants a veteran batter. KL Rahul no bat. 3, highlighting the latter’s experience in playing in the middle order as a key factor.

“Someone like K.L. Rahula would be good at number three because he has the technique and temperament for it, but it looks like the management wants to force him to open the batting,” Pujara explained.

Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkalwho was added to India’s squad on the eve of the 1st Test is likely to bat at number no. 3 if Gill misses.