In a surprising revelation, veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has confirmed that he did not receive any call or communication from head coach Gautam Gambhir regarding his inclusion for the England Test series. The revelation has reignited debates over India’s selection policies, especially at a time when the team is transitioning and in need of experience in the red-ball format.
Pujara, known for his grit and resilience in Test cricket, has been a vital part of India’s batting lineup for over a decade. Despite delivering consistent performances in domestic cricket — including a double century in the Ranji Trophy — the seasoned batter has remained on the sidelines. His exclusion has puzzled many, particularly given the ongoing changes in India’s Test squad following the retirements and rest periods of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Addressing media queries recently, Pujara shared that he is fully fit and has been performing well but hasn’t received any communication from Gambhir or the selection committee. He expressed his readiness to play whenever called upon, underscoring his commitment to Indian cricket.
The silence from the management has not gone unnoticed. Former Indian cricketers and fans alike have questioned why someone with Pujara’s caliber and experience has been overlooked, especially with India’s top order showing inconsistency in recent Test outings. Critics argue that the team could benefit from Pujara’s ability to anchor the innings in challenging conditions, particularly in England, where patience and technique are crucial.
Adding fuel to the fire, insider reports suggest that Gautam Gambhir, despite being newly appointed as the head coach, did push for Pujara’s inclusion in the Test squad — especially during discussions for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier in the year. However, this recommendation was allegedly turned down by the selection committee, revealing a possible rift or lack of consensus between team management and selectors.
The lack of transparency and coordination has sparked concerns about how veteran players are being treated during this transitional phase. While the BCCI appears focused on grooming younger talent, critics argue that ignoring experienced players like Pujara may come at the cost of stability and match-winning temperament, particularly in challenging overseas tours.
Pujara, for his part, remains optimistic. He continues to grind it out in domestic circuits and stays match-ready, hoping that performance will eventually outshine politics. His professional demeanor and silent perseverance have earned him admiration across the cricketing community.
As India prepares for the crucial Test series against England, all eyes are on the team composition and management decisions. Whether Pujara gets another shot remains uncertain, but the larger question persists — is Indian cricket undervaluing experience in its rush to build the future? Only time, and the outcome of the England tour, will tell.