3 reasons why Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara can’t get a place in India’s Test squad anymore

The Indian team has clinched the Test series against England in style after losing the first match in Hyderabad. It has been a comeback for the ages for the Indian team made up of youngsters. This series has initiated a transition for India in Test cricket. Now stalwarts like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are no longer in contention for a place in the Test squad. Let us look at the 3 reasons why.

Team India has moved on

The team management heralded by coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma has given clear indications that they are looking at the future. Throughout the course of this series, there were multiple occasions, especially after the second Test, where the team could have reverted to the experienced duo of Pujara and Rahane but the management chose to trust the younger players which is a clear message that the time is over for the veterans. 

The youngsters have cashed in

The biggest positive for Team India from this series is the performance of the newcomers. Players like Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Devdutt Padikkal have not let the opportunities slip away. Sarfaraz has three fifty-plus scores in the series whereas Jurel played a match-winning 90-run knock in Ranchi apart from a few other cameos. Padikkal who made his debut in the last Test also scored a half-century on debut. The youngsters have shown that they are ready to express themselves on this stage and all they need is faith from the team management. Outstanding performances from these debutants have almost closed the doors for Pujara and Rahane. 

Big assignments coming up

The team management has decided that they will give young faces the time to settle in international cricket. India will be touring Australia for a 5-match Test series later this year and that series will also determine India’s qualification for the World Test Championship final. In that case, the management would like to give these young guys more game time to gain experience before a tough tour. There are only five Test matches lined up for Team India before the Australian tour which rules out any possibility of the return of Pujara and Rahane because these matches will be given to these young faces to give them more exposure in Test cricket. 

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