Pujara and Rahane have their supporters, and rightly so. They have done great things in the past.
Pujara and Rahane epitomise the medieval-school* brand of defensive batting in Test cricket.
*Anything after 1864 is not really "old-school"
*
Pujara and Rahane epitomise the medieval-school* brand of defensive batting in Test cricket.
*Anything after 1864 is not really "old-school"
*
In other words, bat for long hours, grind the opposition bowlers down, let them tire, put the loose balls away.
I have always been a firm believer in quick batting, because that improves the chance of taking 20 wickets.
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I have always been a firm believer in quick batting, because that improves the chance of taking 20 wickets.
+
But in an era dominated by ball, and with percentage of drawn Test matches on the decline, grinding is perhaps not as defensive than it used to in the flat-wicket 2000s.
I pitted Pujara and Rahane against Pant and Jadeja, two batters known for aggressive, high-risk batting.
+
I pitted Pujara and Rahane against Pant and Jadeja, two batters known for aggressive, high-risk batting.
+
I checked balls per dismissal.
Since 2021, Rahane has actually lasted fewer balls per dismissal than Pant or Jadeja, two batters with other roles in the XI.
In fact, in 2021, Pujara (79) has lasted *roughly* as many balls more than Pant (61) as Pant has more than Rahane (45).
+
Since 2021, Rahane has actually lasted fewer balls per dismissal than Pant or Jadeja, two batters with other roles in the XI.
In fact, in 2021, Pujara (79) has lasted *roughly* as many balls more than Pant (61) as Pant has more than Rahane (45).
+
Since 2020, not only has Rahane not scored, but he has also not lasted as long as Jadeja or Pant (Pujara has at least done that, as a #3).
Remember, with India almost always playing five bowlers, Pant/Jadeja often bat just after Rahane.
Remember, with India almost always playing five bowlers, Pant/Jadeja often bat just after Rahane.
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