The much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 kicks off on November 22 in Perth, but it will do so without one of India’s most dependable Test players, Cheteshwar Pujara. Instead of donning the whites for India, Pujara will take on a new role as a Hindi commentator for Star Sports, marking a significant shift in his cricketing journey.
Pujara’s Absence: A Void to Fill
Known for his resilience and ability to anchor innings, Pujara has been a crucial figure in India’s Test success against Australia. His absence is bound to be felt, especially on Australia’s fast and bouncy tracks, where his temperament and technique have often been India’s mainstay.
India has named Shubman Gill as Pujara’s replacement. However, with Gill nursing an injury, the spotlight could turn to Devdutt Padikkal, who might step in for the first Test in Perth.
Pujara’s Stellar Record Down Under
Pujara’s legacy in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains unmatched. His standout performance came during the 2018-19 series, where he amassed 521 runs at an average of 74.42, including three centuries and a half-century, earning him the Player of the Series award. His efforts were instrumental in India’s maiden Test series win in Australia (2-1).
Overall, Pujara has scored 993 runs in 11 Tests in Australia at an impressive average of 47.28, including three hundreds and five fifties.
A Historic Five-Match Series
For the first time since 1991-92, the India-Australia Test series will feature five matches. After the opener in Perth, the series moves to the Adelaide Oval for a pink-ball Test (December 6-10), followed by matches in Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the series concludes from January 3-7, 2025.
As India looks to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara on the field will undoubtedly leave a gap. However, fans will still hear his insights from the commentary box, offering a fresh perspective on this historic rivalry.