Aakash Chopra revealed that he is not happy with the “uncanny pattern” in Cheteshwar Pujara’s bad form in South Africa.
Pujara has been a mainstay of Indian Test cricket for a long time. However, his recent form has been abysmal, with the experienced right-hander being dismissed cheaply repeatedly.
The same thing happened on Day 1 of the second Test against South Africa, where he was dismissed for a paltry three runs off 33 balls.
Many fans and media personnel have called for the veteran to be dropped from the lineup and for someone to step up instead of him. However, given he has been a key part of India’s all-conquering Test side, it is a big call to make.
However, Chopra revealed that he is not happy with the “uncanny pattern” in Pujara’s bad form in South Africa.
“He is not even hitting the half volley with full might and we can see an uncanny pattern in his dismissals,” he said in the post-lunch show on Star Sports.
“He had nicked Ngidi’s delivery in the first innings of the Centurion Test. If we look at his hands and the height of the delivery, why is he even trying to play off the front foot instead of using the depth of the crease.”
Not up to par
It has been more than two years since Pujara last scored a century in Test cricket. Since then, he has been averaging below 30 runs only.
Former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel also commented on Pujara’s form, and said that he probably needs to step up and put the pressure right back onto the bowlers.
“He needs to find a way to get off the strike in South Africa and have that intent to score,” he said.
“There is no better feeling bowler when you run in and know that the batter is not trying to take you on.”
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