The last generation of the Indian cricket team had some of the most iconci names in the history of the sport, each with their uniqueness that made them stand apart from each other. Among them was the inevitable presence of Rahul Dravid, who over the years, with his precise batting technique earned the nickname of ‘The Wall’. However, that golden generation of Indian cricket is now on the chapters of history, as young, emerging players have come and cemented their position in the squad. But can there be another Dravid, who will carry forward his legacy? Nathan Lyon has the answer, and the Australian cricketer thinks ‘the new wall’ is none other than Cheteshwar Pujara!
While the no. 3 position in Team India’s battling order in limited overs cricket has been circulated a number of times, with the captain Virat Kohli himself coming in as the 1 down batsman in several matches, the position regarding Test cricket has rightfully sealed by Cheteshwar Pujara.
The 32 year old specialist batsman has shined in various red-ball series for the Men in Blue in recent history, and in a recent interview with cricket.com.au, Nathan Lyon had all the right words for praising Pujara.
After having a discussion about the possibility of a behind closed door Test tour against India in December, Lyon named Pujara as the team’s ‘new wall’, a throwback to Dravid’s renowned nickname.
“I think Pujara flies under the radar a little bit when you look at the Indian side. Obviously you look at Rahane and Virat and these guys. But Pujara is a wall. He’s the new wall I should say,” Lyon told reporters.
The Aussie international recalled Pujara’s staggering 521 runs in the 2018-19 Test series against India, which was vital behind the 2-1 victory for the visitors.
The veteran spin bowler continued: “It helps that he played exceptionally well last time out here. He adapted his game. He had a bit of luck which is what you need when you’re playing at the top level.
Since his Test debut back in 2010 against Australia, Pujara ahs earned 75 caps in the format, scoring 5740 runs.
“He obviously played his absolute backside off, which for India was good to see but we’re going to have to make sure that come this summer we have to come with some new plans to combat Pujara.” Lyon added.
“As I said, he flies under the radar a little bit – he definitely won’t he flying under the radar come this summer,” the 32 year old concluded.
Also read-
Watch Nataša’s hilarious reply as Hardik asks her ‘Baby, main kya hoon tera?’
Ian Chappell: Fight Coronavirus with Sachin Tendulkar’s approach in this magical knock!
