xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: Cheteshwar Pujara, celebrated for his resilient batting during India's historic Test series wins in Australia, will return to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but in a new role. Pujara will join the Hindi commentary panel for the highly anticipated series between India and Australia, starting November 22 at the WACA Stadium, Perth.

The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship, has seen Pujara's name resurface in discussions, especially after Shubman Gill's injury. The young batter fractured his thumb during match simulations and is reportedly ruled out of the first Test.

Read More: BGT 2024-25: After a failure in the first innings, did Virat Kohli manage to bounce back?

Gill's absence has led to calls for Pujara's inclusion in the Indian squad, given his pivotal contributions in India's past triumphs down under. Pujara was the Player of the Series in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring 521 runs at an average of 74.42. His unyielding presence at the crease was instrumental in India's back-to-back series wins in Australia.

Pujara last represented India in the ICC World Test Championship final in 2023 before being replaced by Gill at the No.3 spot. Gill, who has amassed over 800 Test runs, had been a reliable figure in the lineup and his absence creates a void.

Read More: IPL 2025: What will be Shreyas Iyer's new IPL team? Sunil Gavaskar predicts!

To address this, reports suggest the Indian team management has asked Devdutt Padikkal to stay back from the India A squad. The young batter, who impressed during recent matches, is expected to bat at No.3 for the opening Test.

Additionally, India will be without Rohit Sharma, as he remains unavailable for the first Test. Jasprit Bumrah is likely to lead the team in his absence.

The series opener will set the tone for what promises to be another riveting chapter in the India-Australia Test rivalry.