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Zaheer Khan believes the pressure will be more on Pujara than Rahane
By SMCS - Dec 2, 2021 2:15 pm
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Former India speedster Zaheer Khan feels that there will be more pressure on Cheteshwar Pujara than Ajinkya Rahane before the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, starting on December 3. However, both the senior players have been going through poor forms with the bat in the recent past.

ajinkya rahane

He also asked for a change in the backbone of the middle-order as well. They both, however, failed to score again in the first Test and with the captain Virat Kohli returning back, a change could be seen as well. Meanwhile, the veteran has added that there is also a little possibility that the team management might drop an opener too.

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While speaking on Cricbuzz, the veteran said: “The middle-order headache for this Test has come after Iyer’s fantastic debut performance. Iyer made good use of his opportunity. Virat Kohli is sure to come in, so there needs to be space made in the middle-order. I think there is a bit more pressure on Pujara and that is not entirely performance-based. Have seen in previous instances that often an opener gets dropped. They might go in a direction and ask whether Pujara can open in these conditions, but there is no denying that there needs to be some shuffling.”

Zaheer Khan further again shared that the inclusion of Shreyas Iyer is a certainty after his heroic display in Kanpur. However, Shreyas Iyer became the 16th Indian player to score a century on debut in the first Test against New Zealand. He also became the first Indian player to score a century and a fifty in his debut Test as well.

Team India
Team India

“Iyer should definitely play, there is absolutely no question about it. They either have to drop an opener or drop either one of Pujara or Rahane,” he again said.

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While speaking of the bowling unit, Zaheer Khan added that the combination was straightforward. He, however, shared that the only change in combination might arise if the conditions in Mumbai continue to be overcast as well. Notably, the financial capital of Mumbai recorded heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday and if that continues, Zaheer Khan stated Team India could play an extra pacer instead of Axar Patel.

He opined: “I don’t think determining the bowling attack would be a difficult decision. Siraj has been a mainstay now with good consistent performances.”If India decides to play 3 seamers then Axar Patel will be the bowler who will have to make way. But pitches in India always have some turn, on offer after Day 3, so don’t think there will be too many changes in the bowling combination.”