Cheteshwar Pujara, once a cornerstone of India’s Test batting lineup, is unlikely to feature in the squad for the upcoming five-match series against England. Despite speculation among fans about his potential recall in light of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s recent retirements from Test cricket, the selectors appear set on charting a new course.
According to a report, the BCCI selection committee, along with the team management, is not considering a return for the 37-year-old veteran.
Instead, attention seems to be shifting towards younger talents like Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal, who may be seen as part of the future core of the team. “There was some chatter that the selectors should look at Cheteswar Pujara (37) for a place in view of the absence of seniors like Rohit and Kohli. But the impression one gets is that the selectors and team management are in no mood to look back,” the report stated.
With a transition phase clearly underway, the selection for the England tour, expected to be announced on Saturday, will mark a defining step. Not only will the squad be finalized for one of the most challenging Test assignments, but the appointment of a new captain is also on the cards. For Pujara, it seems the door may be closing for good as Indian cricket moves into a new era.
