After a dramatic Test match at the Gabba in Brisbane, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expressed optimism about the potential return of players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to the national Test team. The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia ended in a draw as persistent weather disruptions made it difficult to achieve a decisive result on Wednesday (December 18).
When asked about the absence of seasoned players such as Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ravichandran Ashwin from the current Indian Test squad, Rohit had a momentary slip of tongue in his response.
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"No, no, absolutely [I will miss them around]. Look, he has so much experience, he has won so many matches for India. So, if you want to look to your left or right and these guys are not there. By the way, Ajinkya Rahane hasn't retired, aap mere ko marwaoge yar [you guys will get me in trouble]," Rohit said in the post-match press conference.
Further, the right-hand batter said that the doors are still open for Cheteswar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to make a comeback in Tests.
"I am saying as if all three have retired [chuckles]. Pujara too hasn't announced his retirement. You took the names of all of them together, that's why I was saying. They are not here right now. But I don't know, they can still come back, the door is open for them," the 37-year-old added.
Pujara and Rahane's Test career
Pujara and Rahane were the main stars of the Indian Test team for years from early 2010s to 2020s. Cheteshwar has 103 Test caps with 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60 and he has scored 19 centuries so far. His best score in 206* in 176 Test innings for India.
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Rahane has represented India in 85 Test matches scoring 5,077 runs which makes his average of 38.46 with 12 tons and 26 fifties. Since India's historic victory over Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane in January 2021, their performance statistics have sharply declined.
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