Team India’s Test specialist batsman Cheteshwar Pujara and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane have been suffering from poor form in recent times. In the first innings of the second Test at Lord’s between India and England, the two batsmen were able to score 10 runs together. Pooja has not once again crossed the 25th boundary in the last 10 innings and Rahane is also looking for a run. Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has expressed concern over the recent form of the two batsmen. Laxman is disappointed with Rahane and Pujara because they are repeating the same mistake repeatedly and losing their wickets.
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Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Laxman said, “A mix of technical issues and quickness to run. We have seen how he could not play in the crease at Nottingham and last runout. Today we have seen his footwork temporarily. Both Rahane and Pujara are disappointed, they are repeating the same mistake and this is the reason why they have been out in the last 8-10 months. Not even transferring.
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Laxman hoped this pressure would not drown Rahane and Pujara. He said, ‘I think outside voices are not reaching the minds of Pooja and Rahane. There is always more pressure on already established players as young players wait to take their place. This pressure builds with each lower score. By the end of the second day of the Lord’s Test, England were 119 for 3. Earlier, India were all out for 364 in the first innings.
