The recent loss of the Indian cricket team to New Zealand in Pune marked a significant moment in the Indian Cricket history, as it resulted in India’s first Test series defeat at home since 2012. Following this disappointment, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra raised a crucial question on his YouTube channel: Are we missing Cheteshwar Pujara?

In the second Test, India struggled to chase down 359 runs, collapsing to just 245 in their second innings. Many analysts have pointed to the batting lineup’s weaknesses, suggesting that the absence of Pujara’s steady presence was sorely felt.

Chopra said this sentiment, saying, “Are we missing Pujara? It's a big question, actually. As a player, you might say that he would score these many runs and others would also score as many runs, so are you missing him that much? Maybe not, because at some stage you have to move beyond everyone. So, you left Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in such a scenario.”

The commentator further critiqued the team’s aggressive batting strategy, “You got Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant started playing at No. 5. So, things changed a lot. Change is the rule of nature, but one thing is definitely missing. No one in this team is able to do what Cheteshwar Pujara used to do. Everyone plays the same brand of cricket, that they would attack and play aggressive cricket and have nothing to do with a draw as they play like this only. That does not work.”

Chopra lamented the lack of a defensive style that Pujara embodied, emphasizing its importance in high-pressure situations. “Cheteshwar Pujara's defensive cricket, that brand of cricket that is non-glamorous, hard-working, staying at the wicket from morning to evening, we are missing that brand of cricket, and we are repeatedly seeing the result of that in collapses.”