Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar came in support of Cheteshwar Pujara after his double failure in the recently-concluded World Test Championship Final against New Zealand in Southampton. Pujara scored 8 and 15 in the final, which India lost by eight wickets.

India’s no. 3 is receiving criticism from all corners after India failed to bat well in the WTC Final. Pujara batted at a low strike rate of 19 in both innings and threw his wicket after spending a good time on the pitch.

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“We should remember how New Zealand batted. Conditions were not very suitable for batting, it was favouring bowlers. The way Conway, Williamson batted in both the innings,” Gavaskar told India Today.

Pujara has been a vital cog in India’s rise in Test cricket, where Virat Kohli’s team is topping the Test team rankings for five years. However, they conceded the Test mace after losing the final.

Meanwhile, Pujara hasn’t enjoyed a good time in the middle of late. He is averaging just over 30 this year while his strike rate is below 32. Also, he hasn’t scored a single hundred in the last two years.

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“The way Ross Taylor also batted after starting slow, we should remember that. They also batted like Pujara, started slow but if you want to raise your fingers at Pujara we can’t say anything. This is the guy whose solidity allows stroke players at the other end to play their strokes. They are assured that Pujara is holding one end,” Gavaskar further added.

Kohli has hinted there can be few changes in India’s lineup in the England Test series. Pujara’s position at number three is being discussed and rumours are suggesting Kohli can be promoted to Pujara’s place while either KL Rahul or Hanuma Vihari might fill in number four. It will be interesting to see what changes Team India will make in the five-match series.