India’s veteran wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik believes the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh will be critical for Cheteshwar Pujara. The right-hander recently scored 52 runs in one innings he played against Bangladesh A.
Pujara has been under scrutiny for his performances in the recent past and he would want to deliver the goods against the Tigers. India will miss the services of Rohit Sharma and it will be crucial for Pujara to step up in the absence of a full-time captain.
Pujara has amassed 6792 runs in 96 Test matches at an average of 43.82. The Saurashtra batter had returned with scores of 13 and 66 in the last Test match he played against England. The veteran batter has scored 187 runs in three Test matches in 2022 at an average of 31.16.
Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz: “It is a critical series for Cheteshwar Pujara, I think he is someone who is obviously been around the scene for some time now.”
Karthik continued: “His last year has not gone so well, but his last Test in England went well so that is good for him.”
Meanwhile, KL Rahul will lead in the first Test match against Bangladesh after Rohit Sharma was ruled out. Karthik believes it will be a great opportunity for Rahul to lead from the front.
“There will be a new captain in KL Rahul and it will be a huge boost for him. The last time he led in South Africa did not go according to plan so another opportunity for him.”
Rahul had led the team against South Africa but the team went on to lose that game. Rahul is expected to open the innings with Shubman Gill against the Tigers.
India will look to bounce back stronger after losing the ODI series by 2-1. The first Test match between India and Bangladesh will take place in Chhatogram on December 14.
