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Robin Uthappa has gone on to suggest that there is a need for a more defensive option amongst a variety of stroke players in the batting unit.
Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul were not able to make much of an impact during the unofficial Tests with India A. (Image: X, AFP)
With questions being asked on India’s batting abilities ahead of the upcoming away Test series against Australia, a former Indian cricketer has gone on to suggest that there is a need for a more defensive option amongst a variety of stroke players in the batting unit.
India’s batters are coming on the back of a disappointing performance against New Zealand where they suffered a 0-3 whitewash on home soil, leaving their World Test Championship campaign at risk.
The former Indian cricketer, Robin Uthappa called for someone to take up the traditional defensive role in the top order and he feels that both KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran can fit the role.
“We need someone defensive, someone who can play conventional, traditional Test cricket. As of now, KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are the ones who can play that role,” Uthappa, expert JioCinema & Sports18, said in a virtual media interaction, as quoted by PTI.
Both Easwaran and Rahul are with the India A squad for the second unofficial Test against Australia A. The former was also part of the 1st unofficial Test as well, but both men failed to make much of an impact to warrant their possible selection for the five-match affair.
Uthappa does not feel that the other Indian batters have the ability to take things slow with the bat as they like to get scoring fairly quickly and there is a need for someone to play the long game.
“I don’t see anyone else who can take on that responsibility. Everyone likes to play positively, and aggressively, and score runs at a quick pace, including someone like Shubman Gill. He is a natural stroke player, and if you ask him to play that slow role, he may not enjoy it. You might be taking away his game,” he shared.
Uthappa also felt that the out-of-favour Indian batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, who played a key role in the Australian tours in 2018-19 and 2020-21, still has a place in the Test side.
“KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran can play that anchor role, with everyone else revolving around them. Honestly, I still believe there’s space for someone like Pujara in the Test team,” Uthappa added.
The Test series is set to begin on November 22, with the first Test being played at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
(with PTI Inputs)
