Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 – Wasim Jaffer picks an ‘attacking batter’ as Pujara’s successor

Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Twitter/BCCI)

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has picked current India batter Shreyas Iyer as an ‘ideal’ replacement for veteran one drop Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara. Both Pujara and Iyer are a part of the Indian squad for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023.

Wasim Jaffer showered huge praise on Iyer’s ability as a Test player. According to Jaffer, Iyer is someone who knows the art of scoring runs at a brisk rate and with intent.

India are currently leading the four-match Test series 2-0, and have retained the coveted Trophy for yet another time. They look in good flow and are expected to whitewash the visiting Australian side.  Australia have looked below par in the first two Test matches of the series.

‘He’s the best option’: Jaffer backs Iyer as Pujara’s successor

“I think Shreyas Iyer is the best option to succeed Cheteshwar Pujara at No.3. He has batted at No.3 for Mumbai and he is an attacking batter. If someone can come in at No.3 and score intently, putting the bowlers on the backfoot will do India a lot of good. Pujara has been brilliant at No.3,” the 45-year-old said while speaking in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

The former opener was of the opinion that the No.3 position in the batting line-up in Test cricket was extremely crucial to maintain the balance of a team and ensure posting big totals or building a platform while chasing stiff targets.

Iyer has done his reputation no harm. He has been brilliant as No.3 batter. He can stay at the crease for longer durations, and pick up the scoring rate as and when required.

Jaffer also reserved accolades for Cheteshwar Pujara, saying the veteran batter had been India’s main stay at the No.3 position for a long time now. Pujara’s ability to spend hours at the crease and keep scoring those important runs has aided India on numerous occassions.

It becomes important for the Indian team management to find a suitable successor for the 35-year-old cricketer once he calls it quits.

Pujara became only the thirteenth Indian batter to represent his country in 100 Test matches. Age is not on his side, though. Shreyas Iyer has just begun his Test career with a home series debut against New Zealand back in 2021. The 28-year-old was phenomenal in that series.

Meanwhile, India are playing Australia in the third Test after a nine-day break at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

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