IND vs NZ: Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara - The Two Missing Pieces in Indian Test Cricket Canvas

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IND vs NZ: At one point, it seemed the Indian Cricket Team had moved on from Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, considering their age and the perception that they were past their prime.

Rahane who represented India in 85 Tests, scored 5077 runs including 12 centuries and 26 fifties. His last Test appearance came against the West Indies in July this year. On the other hand, Pujara amassed 7195 runs in 103 Tests, laced with 3 double centuries, 19 centuries and 35 fifties. Pitch matters: Bounced out in Bengaluru, Indian batters 'turn' out a poor show in Pune against spirited New Zealand

The Rajkot-born's last Test appearance came against Australia in the WTC 2023 final. The duo have fallen out of the selectors' radar and it is evident that the team management appears to be focusing on grooming the next generation of players for the future.

Why does Team India need Rahane-Pujara's coalition?

Recent performances in Test cricket, especially against New Zealand, clearly suggest that the senior duo still have a part to play in their late 30s. During the ongoing Pune Test, the Indian batters struggled to negate the spin challenge.

When it comes to playing on rank turners, Rahane and Pujara bring sound technique and solid application to the table, thanks to their vast experience in red-ball cricket. Their potential to adapt to challenging situations and negate quality spin or pace attacks is something they have honed over the years.

Rohit Sharma and Co's struggles were evident in the Bengaluru Test, where the majority of wickets fell to the pacers. The veteran duo have shown time and again that they can handle pace and spin equally well.

More importantly, the duo have bailed India out of tough situations multiple times in the past. Talking about India's performance in the first innings of the second Test in Pune, their vulnerability against spin was exposed as they lost as many as nine wickets to New Zealand's spinners.

Mitchell Santner ran through the Indian lineup with seven wickets whereas Glenn Phillips chipped in with two. Meanwhile, Pujara and Rahane, who possess the temperament and technique to withstand spin-friendly conditions could have made a telling impact.

Perhaps, India's think-tank may have to reconsider, giving it a thought about including the experienced Rahane and Pujara. The duo still has plenty to offer and their return could be of great help to India, especially when it comes to overcoming future challenges in Tests.