Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara probably have just the next innings to save their Test careers: Sunil Gavaskar

After all the saga around India’s inconsistent middle order, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have been backed up by the management. Their experience played a big role while their form has not improved despite getting chances after chances. The second Test against South Africa was a no-brainer as both the batters fell off consecutive deliveries to leave India stranded.

Pujara could manage just 3 off the 33 deliveries he faced while Rahane perished for a golden duck for the first time in his Test career. Both these batters have been averaging under 30 since 2019 and the second innings is going to be highly important for them. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar who seemed to have supported the out-of-form players notified about the exit of Pujara and Rahane sooner. Their places could be up for grabs as the newcomers have already shown a lot of potentials.

Sunil Gavaskar warns Rahane and Pujara to save their careers

Sunil Gavaskar mentioned in the commentary box about both Rahane and Pujara being on the verge of facing an axe if they do not perform in the second innings. Pujara has scored 0, 16, and 3 in the three innings so far while Rahane has a decent contribution in the first Test at least. The problem behind both the batters has been the long rough patch which seems to be never-ending.

“After those two dismissals one can say that they probably have just the next innings, both Pujara and Rahane, to save their Test careers,” Sunil Gavaskar spoke while being in the commentary panel

“There have been questions asked about their place in the team and now with these two dismissals, they have just one innings left. If there is another innings and the way India is going, it looks like there will be another for them to score something and maybe keep their place in the team,” he added

Shreyas Iyer could get a look in soon if both these batters fail in the second innings and definitely, their careers are on the line. The one thing that could favor these batters is that India has been winning games that extend their opportunities.