"Cheteshwar Pujara Was Holding The Fort In 2018": Ex-Chief Selector's Concerning Virat Kohli Remark

Despite his illustrious career and impressive statistics, former Indian captain Virat Kohli's recent form has raised eyebrows, particularly with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia approaching next month. In his last ten innings, Kohli has managed to score only 245 runs, averaging a mere 27.22. This dip in performance contrasts sharply with his historical success against Australia, where he has accumulated over 1,300 runs in Tests at an average of 54.08, including eight centuries and five fifties.

However, Kohli's struggles in the ongoing three-match Test series against Australia are evident, as he has not even reached the 100-run mark across four innings. His recent underwhelming performances have left many, including former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad, feeling concerned about his impact on the upcoming series.

In a discussion on Star Sports, Prasad highlighted the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara's steady presence in the batting lineup, noting that Pujara's solid performances were crucial during India's successful 2018 tour of Australia. "Hundred percent. If you look at the way he performed in the 2018 series, on one side he brought aggression into batting, and on the other side, Pujara was holding the fort," Prasad remarked. He emphasized the importance of the combination of Pujara's calmness and Kohli's aggression, stating, "We are missing the combination those two had—caution with aggression."

Prasad further expressed that Pujara's ability to anchor the innings while Kohli played his aggressive style inspired the entire team. "The way Virat batted, he inspired everyone else," he said, underscoring the critical role both players played in the team's success. With the ICC Test Championship points at stake, Kohli's current form is a significant concern for India, especially given their ambitions in the upcoming series.

As India prepares to face Australia, Kohli's return to form is not just essential for his individual success but also crucial for the team's chances of winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and qualifying for the World Test Championship.