Cheteshwar Pujara Names All-Time Teammates XI, Omits MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has named his all-time teammates XI, drawing exclusively from cricketers he shared the dressing room with during his Test career from 2010 to 2023. The lineup features icons such as Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, while prominent figures including MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane were omitted.
What Happened
In an interview with Cricinfo, Cheteshwar Pujara outlined his best playing eleven based on his experience across more than a decade in international Test cricket. Pujara opened the batting with Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag, while positioning himself at the number three spot. The middle order features Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and VVS Laxman. Behind the stumps, Pujara selected Rishabh Pant as his wicketkeeper. The bowling attack includes spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin alongside fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Additionally, Pujara named Ishant Sharma as the 12th man and indicated that he might include Hardik Pandya if a fast-bowling all-rounder were required.
Key Highlights
- Test Career Span: Pujara represented India in Test cricket between 2010 and 2023 under multiple captains.
- Top and Middle Order: Openers Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag, Cheteshwar Pujara at number three, followed by Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and VVS Laxman.
- Wicketkeeper Choice: Rishabh Pant was picked ahead of former captain MS Dhoni.
- Bowling Lineup: Spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, paired with fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
- Reserves and Options: Ishant Sharma was named 12th man, with Pujara noting Hardik Pandya as a potential fast-bowling all-rounder option depending on conditions.
- Notable Absences: MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane missed out despite their significant contributions to Indian Test cricket.
Why This Matters
Pujara’s team selection offers an insider perspective on the transitions within Indian Test cricket during his playing tenure. By selecting Rishabh Pant over MS Dhoni and omitting long-time teammates Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, the lineup highlights the depth of talent available across Indian cricket over the last decade.
What to Watch Next
Discussions among cricket followers and analysts will continue surrounding Pujara’s tactical selections and the notable omissions from his personal playing eleven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who opened the batting in Pujara’s teammates XI?
Pujara selected Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag as his opening batters.
Where did Pujara place himself in the batting order?
Pujara positioned himself at number three, the role he primarily occupied during his international Test career.
Why are MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma absent from the team?
According to the rationale presented, Pujara’s choices reflect the depth of talent available across his 2010 to 2023 Test career rather than any lack of quality in the players excluded.
Who was named as the 12th man?
Fast bowler Ishant Sharma was chosen as the 12th man, with Pujara explaining that he might deploy three seamers depending on match conditions.
Source: Crictracker and Cricinfo interview.