Former Indian Test stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara has revealed his preferred XI of teammates. While legends like Sachin and Kohli made the cut, shocking omissions include MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.
- Cheteshwar Pujara curated a list of the 11 teammates he most enjoyed playing with.
- Iconic figures like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were notably excluded.
- The list features a mix of 6 retired legends and 5 active players.
Cheteshwar Pujara, the bedrock of India's Test batting lineup for over a decade, has sparked a conversation in the cricketing world by naming his 'Best 11' teammates. In a video shared by ESPN Cricinfo, the veteran batsman reflected on his 13-year career, selecting the players who left the most significant impact on him personally and professionally.
The list is a blend of eras, featuring 6 retired greats and 5 active stars. Pujara paid a fitting tribute to his predecessor at the number 3 spot, Rahul Dravid, along with Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and VVS Laxman. These names represent the golden era of Indian batting, which Pujara strove to uphold throughout his tenure.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the omission of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma is the most striking element of this selection. Despite playing under the captaincy of both, Pujara chose only Virat Kohli among the three captains. This suggests a preference for the aggressive, Test-centric approach championed by Kohli, contrasting with the limited-overs dominance associated with Dhoni and Sharma.
"Pujara's selections reflect a purist's approach to cricket, prioritizing the grit and technique of the longest format over white-ball stardom."
On the bowling front, Pujara opted for a lethal combination of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravichandran Ashwin, with Ravindra Jadeja providing the spin balance. He named Ishant Sharma as the 12th man. Interestingly, he mentioned Hardik Pandya as a tactical substitute depending on the conditions, showcasing his strategic thinking as a senior player.
| Category | Included Players | Notable Omissions |
|---|---|---|
| Batting | Tendulkar, Dravid, Sehwag, Kohli, Laxman | Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni |
| Bowling/All-round | Bumrah, Shami, Ashwin, Jadeja | Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
| Wicketkeeper | Rishabh Pant | MS Dhoni |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which active players did Pujara include in his Best 11?
He included Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami.
2. Why are MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma missing from the list?
While no specific reason was given, it appears to be a matter of personal preference and a tilt toward Test-specialist contributions.
