India’s deputy Ajinkya Rahane said that dipping form of Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara is not a concern. In fact, Ajinkya Rahane believes that both batsmen are one good knock away from finding their lost form.
The Indian vice-captain said that both are quality players. Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan has a poor average of 20 while playing in England conditions in Test matches. Furthermore, Dhawan could grab his chance in the limited overs series. Moreover, Shikhar Dhawan has been in and out of the Indian Test playing XI especially for the overseas tour.
Ajinkya Rahane said that Pujara and Dhawan are going to be pivotal for Indian batting line-up.
However, Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has made it clear that KL Rahul is their third opener. Consequently, we could witness Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay taking the opening onus.
Meanwhile, cricket pundits believe that KL Rahul should be Murali Vijay opening partner for the first Test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
On the other hand, Cheteshwar Pujara has struggled to get going in the County season. Pujara scored 172 runs for Yorkshire in the County Championship. Therefore, it is going to be crucial that Pujara is firing at all cylinders for the tourists.
Ajinkya Rahane said that team is not worried about Dhawan and Pujara’s form.
“We are not worried at all. Both are really quality batsmen and as a batsman its just one good innings to get back into form. Pujara and Dhawan both are quality players. We back them but see ultimately the decision will be taken by the coach and the captain. But as far as I am concerned both are quality players and batting really well in the nets. So it just a matter of one inning and things will start falling into place,” Ajinkya Rahane said during the press conference.
Consequently, it is going to be pivotal for India that both Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara are hitting the ground running with their performances. England and India will lock horns in the first Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham on 1 August.
