IND vs AUS: Cheteshwar Pujara has a place in this India Test side, reckons former CSK star

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India's redemption road starts on November 22 as they take on Australia in the first Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

The clash of the titans down under not only have the bragging rights, but it will crucially determine the fate of the two team's road to the World Test championship final.

India are under deep scrutiny after their dismal 3-0 defeat at the hands of New Zealand. Three consecutive Test defeats on home soil has marred India's hopes of making it to the WTC final thrice in a row. Australia, on the other hand, now occupy the top WTC spot would love to inflict more injury to this depleted Indian side.

Former India batter Robin Uthappa though believes the Indian Test team still has a place for Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara hasn't been in action for India since 2023 WTC final. Despite Cheteshwar Pujara's past contributions to India's victories in Australia during 2018-19 and 2020-21, his place in the team is uncertain. Uthappa still sees value in Pujara's experience and believes there's room for him in the squad.

"KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran can really play that anchor role, with everyone else revolving around them. Honestly, I still believe there's space for someone like Pujara in the Test team," Uthappa said during a virtual media interaction.

The former India player also sees KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran having an anchor role. The duo haven't had the best of time with India A but Uthappa reckons they can still play a key part for India, especially when it comes to digging into the crease and playing with a defensive approach.

"We need someone defensive, someone who can play conventional, traditional Test cricket. As of now, KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are the ones who can play that role," Uthappa added.