Border Gavaskar Trophy: Parthiv Patel rates the importance of Cheteshwar Pujara

Team India is gearing up for a challenging assignment as they prepare to face Australia in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series. Following a three-match Test series against New Zealand, the Indian squad will make their way to Australia, with the first Test set to kick off on November 22 in Perth. This marquee series promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams vie for supremacy on the cricketing stage. As discussions about India's lineup intensify, former cricketer Parthiv Patel has emphasized the crucial role of the number three batter in the batting order. Traditionally, the number three position is pivotal, providing stability and support to the top order. Patel's insights highlight the importance of having a reliable and adaptable player at this position, especially against a formidable Australian bowling attack. The choice of who will fill this role could significantly influence the team’s performance.

With a blend of experience and youth in the squad, India faces an opportunity to solidify their standing in the series. The selection panel will need to consider various factors, including recent form, injury updates, and conditions in Australia. As anticipation builds for this thrilling contest, all eyes will be on how India structures their batting lineup and whether they can find a balance that capitalizes on their strengths against the hosts.

Parthiv Patel has expressed his belief that star batter Shubman Gill could be a pivotal inclusion in India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Highlighting Gill's impressive form and potential impact, Patel emphasized the importance of having a dynamic player in the lineup, particularly against a formidable Australian bowling attack. He also drew attention to the contributions of Cheteshwar Pujara over the years, noting the significant role he has played in previous series. Pujara's experience and ability to anchor the innings have been crucial for India, especially in challenging conditions. Patel's comments underline the need for a strong middle order that can adapt to the demands of Test cricket in Australia.

As India prepares for this high-stakes series, the selection of batters like Gill and Pujara will be vital in establishing a solid foundation. With the series set to begin on November 22 in Perth, the Indian team will be looking to strike a balance between experience and youth. The discussions around the lineup reflect the team's strategic approach as they aim to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the performance of key players will be instrumental in achieving that goal.

Parthiv Patel has expressed his belief that star batter Shubman Gill could be a pivotal inclusion in India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Highlighting Gill's impressive form and potential impact, Patel emphasized the importance of having a dynamic player in the lineup, particularly against a formidable Australian bowling attack. He also drew attention to the contributions of Cheteshwar Pujara over the years, noting the significant role he has played in previous series. Pujara's experience and ability to anchor the innings have been crucial for India, especially in challenging conditions. Patel's comments underline the need for a strong middle order that can adapt to the demands of Test cricket in Australia.

As India prepares for this high-stakes series, the selection of batters like Gill and Pujara will be vital in establishing a solid foundation. With the series set to begin on November 22 in Perth, the Indian team will be looking to strike a balance between experience and youth. The discussions around the lineup reflect the team's strategic approach as they aim to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the performance of key players will be instrumental in achieving that goal.

"Whenever India have done well in Australia, the No. 3 batter's performance has been very important, the way Rahul Dravid was batting in 2003-04 and Cheteshwar Pujara's contribution was immense in the last two series India won there. So No. 3 becomes a very important position," said Parthiv Patel in a recent interview. 

"Shubman Gill has shown that he has the capability to score runs in Australia, although all those runs came as an opener. The Gabba Test we won, every time Rishabh Pant's 89 runs are talked about but Shubman Gill also scored 92 (91) runs as an opener. So he knows that he can bat under pressure," he added.

Patel further emphasized that Shubman Gill will enter the upcoming series against Australia with a newfound sense of responsibility as a senior player. Having demonstrated remarkable growth and consistency in his performances, Gill is now expected to shoulder greater expectations from both the team and fans. This shift signifies a crucial step in his career, as he embraces the role of a leader in the batting lineup. Patel pointed out that with this elevated status comes the challenge of delivering under pressure, particularly against a competitive Australian side known for its relentless bowling attack. Gill's ability to adapt and perform in high-stakes situations will be vital for India's success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The expectations surrounding him will not only reflect his talent but also the trust the team places in him to contribute significantly.

As India prepares for this demanding series, Gill’s experience will be instrumental in guiding younger players and setting the tone for the team's batting strategy. The anticipation surrounding his performances highlights the importance of his role in helping India reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, making it an exciting prospect for both him and the team as they head into battle.

"The way his approach has been recently and the way he has been talking, he knows that he is going as a senior player. This is your second tour. So the expectation will increase even further. No. 3 and No. 4 are the backbone. So when Shubman Gill bats at No. 3, the expectation from him will be to score big runs," Parthiv concluded.