Cheteshwar Pujara's inclusion in BGT 2024-25: Why did selectors reject Gambhir's proposal?

India’s batting woes have dominated discussions during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team's alarming collapse from 121-4 to 154 all out at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium (MCG) has ignited a debate about the future of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Test format. Amid this turmoil, reports suggest that Gautam Gambhir advocated for the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara in the squad. However, the selectors chose to reject his proposal.

He was India’s highest run-scorer during the 2018 tour, amassing 521 runs from seven innings. On the 2020/21 tour, Pujara contributed 271 runs, but his most notable contribution was his gritty 56 off 211 balls in the iconic Gabba Test, a knock that symbolized resilience and determination.

With India's current struggles to build partnerships against a relentless Australian attack, Pujara's experience and composure could have provided much-needed stability. The 36-year-old batter boasts an impressive record in Australia, scoring 993 runs from 11 matches at an average of 47.28. His ability to anchor the innings and soak up pressure has been a hallmark of his game, making him a valuable asset in challenging conditions.

Even after India’s commanding victory in Perth, Gambhir continued to push for Pujara’s inclusion, emphasizing his potential to solidify the fragile Indian batting lineup. Critics argue that omitting a player of Pujara's calibre, particularly in a high-stakes series, might have been a missed opportunity for the selectors.

As the debate rages on, the question remains- Was the decision to overlook Pujara a misstep in India's quest for Test dominance?