Cheteshwar Pujara picks KL Rahul’s best batting position ahead of 1st Test against Australia

Out of favour Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara is in Australia as a commentator ahead of the start of the five-match series. The 36-year-old was asked a question by News 18 during the Press Room show on Star Sports. When asked to comment on KL Rahul’s best batting position, Pujara said that KL Rahul should bat at number three. 

Cheteshwar Pujara replied to News 18 and said, “I don’t know what would be the batting order but I’ve heard that KL Rahul is likely to open. However, I would prefer him at No. 3. He has the experience to bat in that position. Ideally, it would be easy for Rahul since he has batted in the middle-order and currently, he bats at no. 5. So, it would’ve been beneficial for India if Rahul bats one-down instead of opening the innings."

Shubman Gill is the regular number three for India but the 25-year-old was injured during the simulation game. Devdutt Padikkal is set to replace Gill in the batting order. Speaking about this, Pujara said to News 18, “I’ve heard that Padikkal might be at No. 3 due to the left-hand, right-hand combination. But I think it will be easier for KL to bat first-down."

Cheteshwar Pujara backs Virat Kohli to come good in Australia

Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed his teammate Virat Kohli to score runs in Australia. Former Indian cricket skipper Virat Kohli hasn’t been in the best of form with the bat and scored just one half-century during the 2024 calendar year. 

Speaking to Star Sports show Press Room, the veteran Indian star said, “Yes, it will definitely help him. The amount of runs he has scored in Australia speaks for itself. Not just in Australia, but across formats, he's always been a player with high expectations placed on him. The number of matches he plays takes a toll.”

Pujara also added, “Over time, we've seen what an incredible fielder and athlete he is always hardworking and consistent. However, when you play so much cricket without adequate breaks, your body and concentration levels naturally dip.”

“Now that he's had some rest, he's in a much better place mentally and physically. He thrives on competition and loves to express himself on the field. In Australian conditions, if the opposition tries to unsettle him, he's the kind of player who will respond strongly and channel that into his performance. That approach has been key to his success since the beginning of his career," further opined Pujara.