New Delhi. Former Indian team batsman Robin Uthappa believes that India will need batsmen like KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran on the upcoming Australia tour, who know how to play traditional style Test cricket. Uthappa said that if we look at the number 1 to 6 position in the current Indian team, there is a plethora of shot-playing batsmen here. In such a situation, there is a place for a batsman who knows how to play traditional Test cricket. He also stressed the need for experienced Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara and advised the team management to make room for this batsman soon.

Questions are being raised on the Indian batting order full of shot-playing players before the five-match Test series. After the humiliating 0-3 defeat against New Zealand at home, the pressure on India to perform better has increased. 'Jio Cinema' and 'Sports 18' expert Uthappa, while talking to the media online, said, "We need a defensive player. Someone who can play traditional Test cricket. Right now Lokesh Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are the only players who can play this role."

He said, 'I don't see any other player who can take this responsibility. Everyone likes to play positively, aggressively and score runs at a fast pace, including players like Shubman Gill. He is a natural stroke player and if you ask him to play slow, he may not like it.'

Pujara played an important role in India's historic victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21, but this time this experienced player from Saurashtra is not a part of the Indian team.

Uthappa said, 'Lokesh Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran can play the role of anchor (player who stays at one end), while everyone else revolves around them. Honestly, I still feel that there is a place for a player like Pujara in the Test team.'