Updated On: 14 January, 2024 05:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Both the veterans were the backbone of India`s middle-order batting for a long time now. So far, Pujara has represented India in 103 test matches and has scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. He also has 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His highest score in the longest format of the game is 206*

Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara (Pic: File Pic
Former Indian opening batsman Akash Chopra on Saturday said that the doors to India`s test team for middle-order batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are closed. But Rahane`s Indian Premier League career is still alive, he will be relevant for a longer time as he plays in the league for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), captained by MS Dhoni.
The Men`s selection panel on Friday announced India`s squad for the first two test matches against England. Team India is all set to clash with England for the five-match test series starting from January 25. Rahane and Pujara failed to make the cut in the Indian test squad.