Скачать или смотреть Is it over for Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane?

Final Nail in the Coffin for Rahane and Pujara’s Test Careers
Both Veterans Dropped from West Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy

The sun appears to have finally set on the red-ball careers of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. In what could be seen as the final chapter of two distinguished Test careers, both senior batters have been dropped from the West Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, signaling a clear message from selectors about the future of Indian cricket.

Once the backbone of India’s Test batting line-up, especially in overseas conditions, both Rahane and Pujara have been struggling to find a consistent place in the national side since 2022. Despite making brief comebacks, neither has been able to cement his position again.

Shift in Focus: Commentary and Content Creation
While their absence from the Duleep Trophy speaks volumes, their off-field moves suggest a quiet acceptance of life beyond top-level cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara has recently been seen in the commentary box, lending his insights during domestic and international matches. Ajinkya Rahane, meanwhile, has ventured into digital content creation, launching his own YouTube channel, which focuses on cricketing insights, personal experiences, and behind-the-scenes content.

Final Appearances in Ranji and Tests
Interestingly, both players participated in the last round of the Ranji Trophy, showcasing their desire to stay relevant in domestic cricket. However, the current snub from the zonal selection indicates that the tide may have finally turned.

Ajinkya Rahane’s last Test came in 2023 against the West Indies, a series that many thought could be his swan song.

Cheteshwar Pujara last wore the Indian whites in the World Test Championship Final against Australia in June 2023 at The Oval, London — a fitting but quiet end to an otherwise gritty career.

A Legacy to Remember
Though their international careers appear to be all but over, the contributions of both Rahane and Pujara to Indian Test cricket remain immense. Rahane's calm leadership and overseas performances, including the historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series win in Australia, and Pujara's dogged resistance and unmatched patience at No. 3, are etched in Indian cricketing folklore.

As the next generation takes over, the exclusion of Rahane and Pujara from even the Duleep Trophy setup suggests that Indian cricket is moving decisively in a new direction — one where there's little room for past heroes unless they are future-ready.

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