Described as “India’s modern-day wall,” Cheteshwar Pujara has been far from his best in recent years. The right-handed hitter, who was renowned for hitting long innings, has struggled to produce regularly. Despite getting several starts, Pujara hasn’t made a Test century since his 193 against Australia in January 2019. He has received a great deal of criticism as a result of this, with VVS Laxman letting his opinion on the matter be known now.

On Day 3 of the 2nd Test against New Zealand in Mumbai on Sunday, the right-handed hitter was out for 47, extending his run of 42 innings with a Test tonne (December 5). Following a duck in the first innings, Pujara began the batting in India’s second innings and looked excellent during his stint at the crease. While he seemed to be on his way to a huge score, left-arm bowler Ajaz Patel ended his innings.

With young guns like Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer doing well, many fans and commentators have questioned Pujara’s place in the starting XI. Speaking on the subject, veteran Indian batsman VVS Laxman said that Pujara’s inability to convert his starts into three-figure scores is a major concern for Team India.

VVS Laxman feels Pujara has been getting out in a similar manner

“Yes, that is a cause for concern. Because Pujara’s typical batting position is No. 3. When you bat at No. 5 or No. 6, you generally have a lot more chances to score hundreds. This is also the sort of dismissal we saw pretty often when India played England,” Laxman told Star Sports.

“In this manner, Jack Leach took Pujara out two or three times. He was unable to cover the turn due to the manner he approached his defensive shot and the angle of the bat. On this wicket, it is critical to cover the turn and stay below the line, and the bat angle was not straight. That is why the ball was passed to Ross Taylor,” he said.

What did Laxman go on to add?

Laxman also agreed that the continual criticism may be frustrating for Pujara. “It is about people talking about it, and it may be annoying. The sooner you reach the three-figure level, everyone will stop talking, and you will be able to go out and conduct your business with a very, very clear head.”

Pujara was elevated to opening batter on Saturday after Shubman Gill was unable to play owing to an elbow injury sustained while fielding in the first innings. The BCCI announced on its official Twitter account that the youngster had not recovered by the time the hosts elected to bat rather than impose a follow-on.

After Ajaz Patel pulled up a 10-wicket haul, New Zealand’s batting collapsed.  In response to India’s 325, the visitors were bowled out for 62, the lowest team total in Test cricket in India.

Ravichandran Ashwin of India took four wickets for eight runs, while Mohammed Siraj, his young right-arm bowler, took three for 19.