India are in a commanding position at the end of Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand. The Kiwis need another 280 runs to win on the final day, with 9 wickets in hand. However, things could have been tricky for the Indians. In both innings, India were in trouble before debutant Shreyas Iyer took them to safety.
In the absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, the onus of taking the team to decent totals was on senior players, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. However, the duo had miserable outings in the match. The players have been going through an extended lean patch and many are questioning their place in the team.
Virat Kohli is set to be back for the second Test and fans are wondering who will make way for the Indian skipper. A few are fearing that India may drop Shreyas Iyer. However, experts believe that it will be very difficult for the management to drop Iyer after the magnificent performance he delivered in the match.
Instead, they are of the opinion that one of Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane could make way for Kohli. Fans too want the senior players out of the team. They believe Pujara and Rahane should be dropped to make way for younger players like Suryakumar Yadav. Here's how they reacted.
Pujara Aur Rahane , Wriddhiman Saha se Kucch shikhle ! #saha
— Gerua Bhakt 🇮🇳🚩👑 (@TempPritam17) November 28, 2021
Pujara and Rahane discussing their post retirement plans pic.twitter.com/a3bYSiHfiD
— heman was here (@royhly_) November 28, 2021
Have been an admirer of both Pujara & Rahane but it appears their time is over. They should make way for youngsters in the interest Indian cricket.
— Anil Swarup (@swarup58) November 28, 2021
Repeat after me:
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) November 28, 2021
Thank you Rahane and Pujara.
I think its time to drop Rahane and Pujara
— Sahil™ (@SAGO_istic) November 28, 2021
KL-Ro as openers
Gill at no3 Iyer at 5
Kohli as usual no4