Hanuma Vihari Highlights Absence of Pujara in Upcoming Australian Tour

Hanuma Vihari, reflecting on India's past series in Australia, emphasizes the significant absence of Cheteshwar Pujara for the upcoming tour. Vihari discusses potential replacements and strategic roles for players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant while acknowledging the challenges new players will face in Australian conditions.

Hanuma Vihari, reflecting on India's back-to-back series wins in Australia, underscores the gravity of veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara's absence as the team prepares for a hat-trick Down Under later this year.

The five-test series kicks off in Perth on November 22. Pujara, who was India's leading run-scorer in the 2018-19 series and a pivotal player three years later, played a significant role in wearing down the Australian attack. Vihari expressed concern over who might fill Pujara's shoes this time around.

"Pujara will be a big miss. He was the backbone of the batting line-up in the last two series for Team India," Vihari told PTI, adding that the team will need someone who can bat for long periods and handle Australia's challenging conditions. Vihari suggested that KL Rahul could play a crucial role at number six, with other vital players including Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli rounding out the lineup.

(With inputs from agencies.)