Have Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane secured their places?

Despite the fact that India has been one of the best teams in the longest format of the game for quite a while now, they have had their fair share of flaws. It gets shocking for the fans when they realize that India has won so many matches outside home despite two of their key players being horribly out of form.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who generally bat at three and five for India in Tests, were having a torrid time and were on the brink of getting dropped. 2021 was a forgettable year for the two of them. While Pujara scored 702 runs at an average of 28.08 last year, Rahane averaged 19.57 in 2021. However, their performance in the second innings of the second Test against South Africa seems to have saved their careers.

Beyond the runs this partnership put together, and it could end up being the match defining event, was the intent both showed. In the boundaries struck but also in the search for singles. Top class. #PujaraRahane

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 5, 2022

Before the third innings of the Johannesburg Test, Pujara and Rahane had scored 19 and 68 runs in the three innings in the ongoing series. There was a lot of pressure on them, and several cricket experts and pundits called for them to be axed from the side. However, after conceding a lead of 27 runs to the Proteas, the Rahul-led side had to bat well on day three in order to give the hosts a stiff target.

After losing both of their openers, two of India’s veteran batters had to bat for their careers, as well as for their team. Contrary to his normal style of approaching innings, Pujara showed a lot of intent and looked positive throughout his innings. He ended up scoring a sensational 53.

On the other hand, Rahane looked compact throughout his innings and scored a 78-ball 58. After both of them were dismissed within a span of 12 balls, the visitors faced a batting collapse and were bundled for 266. The Elgar-led side then successfully chased 240 and thus, ended up levelling the series 1-1.

Although India lost the second Test, seeing two of their key players seemingly get back to the groove is a positive sign for them. However, it is to be noted that the only reason why these two senior players got such a long rope was because of their past achievements.

Despite them saving their respective careers after the second Test, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that a few more bad games could endanger their careers, without the chances of any possible resurrections.