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In a recent report, it was revealed that Cheteshwar Pujara was considered for the final two Test matches against England but was ultimately left out in favor of Devdutt Padikkal. The selection committee had deliberated on the return of the experienced batsman to the team, but due to the lack of consensus, Ajit Agarkar opted to give Padikkal the opportunity instead.
The Test series against England saw Team India securing a commanding 4-1 victory, showcasing strong performances from Indian players and a dominant display with the ball. Under Rohit Sharma's leadership, including debuts for Sarfaraz Khan and four other players, India made a statement in international cricket.
Pujara's potential inclusion stemmed from his impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he amassed 829 runs playing for Saurashtra, including a high score of 243 runs. Despite being the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament, the lack of unanimity among selectors led to Padikkal's selection.
Padikkal, representing Karnataka, had a remarkable Ranji season, scoring a crucial 150-run innings that impressed the selectors, especially against English spinners. His inclusion in the final Test proved pivotal as he contributed significantly with a solid 65-run innings, helping India secure a crucial victory.
Additionally, Agarkar's recommendation for backup wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel over KS Bharat added depth to the squad. With Bharat already designated as a batsman, the need for a backup keeper prompted Jurel's selection.
The series against England highlighted India's depth and talent pool, showcasing the team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure. While Pujara missed out on the final Tests, his domestic performances and experience remain valuable assets for India's future campaigns.
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