Cheteshwar Pujara was considered for the last three Tests against England, but top selector Ajit Agarkar preferred youngster Devdutt Padikkal.
According to a source, Indian cricket team batter Cheteshwar Pujara was considered for the remaining three Test matches against England in the recently finished series, but top selector Ajit Agarkar instead chose youngster Devdutt Padikkal. Padikkal was added to India’s team after KL Rahul was ruled out due to injury ahead of the third Test in Rajkot. According to the report, Pujara was considered because of his strong domestic record, but Agarkar believed that Padikkal’s height would provide an edge against England bowlers, and he was also doing well in the Ranji Trophy.
“Agarkar suggested the name Jurel. Because he was still a rookie, team management was hesitant to trust him. Picking a youngster who hasn’t got much red-ball experience at the top level right immediately into the Indian squad for a major series like England was always going to be a risky move, but Agarkar had seen enough to recommend the youngster,” a BCCI insider told Hindustan Times.
“There was some controversy regarding Cheteshwar Pujara, who was getting runs in the Ranji Trophy. The batting lineup lacked experience. However, Agarkar insisted on moving on with Padikkal’s selection. He was present when he produced a fluent 150 in a Ranji Trophy match, and he thought his height would help him against the young England spinners,” the insider said.
Padikkal finally got his India debut in the final Test in Dharamsala, and the left-hander looked in command against England’s spinners, scoring a tough 65 in the opening innings.
