IND vs AUS: 'I would prefer KL Rahul at No.3' - Cheteshwar Pujara reveals why KLR should bat one down for BGT 2024

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India vs Australia: India’s seasoned cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara shed light on the crucial No. 3 batting position during a press conference in the Star Sports Press Room.

For the record, Pujara himself held this spot as India’s dependable No. 3 for many years. However, Pujara is not part of the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia.

Pujara will be seen in an entirely different avatar for the upcoming BGT series. He will be donning the commentator's hat in the Hindi commentary panel for the highly-anticipated series.

When asked about the ideal candidate for the No. 3 position, the Rajkot-born voiced his support for KL Rahul, citing the latter's experience to negate the bowling attack under pressure.

"I don’t know the batting order, but I would prefer KL Rahul at No. 3. He has the experience to handle the pressure," Pujara reserved the highest respect for Rahul.

KL Rahul has been under scrutiny for his string of low scores of late. He was on the receiving end for his poor shot selection against New Zealand in the home Test series and all eyes will be on him for the high-stakes series.

Furthermore, Pujara also discussed another potential contender who could provide a tactical advantage with a left-right batting combination and he is none other than Devdutt Padikkal.

The seasoned cricketer pointed out that the left and right combination could make it more challenging for the opposition’s bowlers to settle.

"Padikkal might be at No. 3 due to the left-hand, right-hand combination. It will be easier for KL to bat at No. 3, but going by the left-right combo, it looks like Padikkal will be at No. 3," Pujara added. The right-hander who scored over 7000 runs in Test cricket stressed that it will be easier for Rahul to bat at one down given his experience.

IND vs AUS Perth Test 1 Innings

India captain Jasprit Bumrah elected to bat first after winning the toss and KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal walked into the middle to open the batting. Jaiswal departed early for a duck. Rahul, however, showed resistance with the bat and almost lasted the entire first session before the third umpire made a rather controversial decision to rule him caught behind, though the edge from his bat looked unclear. Rahul departed for 26 off 74 balls.