Following a crushing ten-wicket defeat to Australia in Adelaide, India’s hopes of bouncing back in the third Test in Brisbane have taken centre stage. With the series tied 1-1, the stakes are higher than ever, and seasoned batter Cheteshwar Pujara has suggested a key change to the playing XI. Pujara advocated for Washington Sundar’s inclusion in place of Ravichandran Ashwin to bolster India’s batting depth and regain control in the crucial series. Pujara’s recommendation comes after Ashwin’s underwhelming performance in Adelaide, where he managed figures of 1/53 in 18 overs. While Ashwin is one of India’s most experienced bowlers, Pujara believes the team may need Sundar’s all-round abilities to address their recent batting struggles.

“I feel only one change might happen. Since the batting wasn’t good, Washington Sundar can come in place of R Ashwin. Should someone come in place of Harshit Rana? In my opinion, no. You backed him and he performed well in the first match,” Pujara said on Star Sports.

Sundar, who played a pivotal role in India’s memorable Brisbane victory in 2021, brings both a reliable off-spin option and a resilient lower-order batting presence. With Sundar in the mix, India could lengthen their batting lineup without compromising their bowling attack. He was part of India’s 295-run win in the series opener in Perth. He scalped two wickets and contributed 33 runs in the match before making way for Ashwin in Adelaide.

While some have questioned the performance of pacer Harshit Rana after he conceded 86 runs in 16 overs in Adelaide, Pujara strongly defended the young bowler. Rana, who impressed with a 3/48 spell on debut in Perth, is seen as a valuable asset despite his recent struggles.

“He is a good bowler. You cannot drop him just because one match went bad. Probably the only change for me would be Sundar for Ashwin if the team feels the batting lineup needs strengthening,” he added.

Rana’s pace and ability to extract bounce makes him a compelling choice for the Brisbane pitch, known for its lively nature.

India’s loss in Adelaide have also dealt a blow to their World Test Championship (WTC) final qualification hopes. Currently third in the standings with a points percentage of 57.29, India face an uphill task.

To secure their spot in the WTC final, they must win the series by a margin of 3-1 or 4-1. Meanwhile, Australia sit second with a 60.71 points percentage, while South Africa lead the pack with 63.33.

Former Zimbabwe fast bowler Henry Olonga is someone remembered fondly by Indians, for he was the victim of a Sachin Tendulkar rampage in 1998. Playing the final of a triangular series between India, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, Tendulkar smashed 124 off 92 balls, taking Olonga to the cleaners. Over 25 years later, however, Olonga’s life has taken an unprecedented turn. In 2019, Olonga went viral as he wowed judges in ‘The Voice Australia’ singing competition. Now, Olonga is a part-time painter for social causes, and was present during the second Test between India and Australia at Adelaide.

Olonga has lived Down Under since 2015, and now plies his trade as a painter, casual coach and even as an umpire.

“I love Australia. I am married to an Australian wife and I have got two children,” Olonga told Sportstar.

Speaking on his foray into the world of art, Olonga said, “I always had that soft side and I never saw it as different or odd. I always liked variety. I get bored doing one thing.”

Olonga was present at the Adelaide Oval during the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He had been seen painting a cricket stadium.

Olonga last played for Zimbabwe in the 2003 ODI World Cup, after which his stance on political atrocities in Zimbabwe led to his departure from the team.

Although not actively involved with cricket, Olonga still keeps up with the game, and is particularly fond of India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, even reserving a high compliment for the 31-year-old.

“(Jasprit) Bumrah is the best bowler, has got a bit of hyper-extension, which gives him a crack. He reminds me of Wasim (Akram) of the short run-up.”

Mugabe also reminisced about Tendulkar’s rampage against Zimbabwe, as India won the triangular series.

“Everyone remembers because it is on YouTube. I got him (Tendulkar) out and then in the final, he went crazy, I went for plenty of runs (6-0-50-0) and he smashed it,” Olonga said.

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