'India need a player like Ben Stokes'— Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on the missing link in the Test squad

While India has been fighting hard in Leeds to get a much-needed victory in Headingley, Cheteshwar Pujara, during his commentary work, expressed his admiration for England captain Ben Stokes. Pujara said that India needs someone like Stokes.

The talismanic all-rounder has so far experienced a successful career as a captain and as a regular player as well for his country. Despite struggling with injury issues multiple times throughout his career, Stokes restructured himself again and again to fit the international standards.

Before the ongoing 5-match Test series against India, the 34-year-old was sidelined due to a knee injury. He came back in competitive matches in the White through a one-off match against Zimbabwe, and then he prepared himself for the Headingley Test. Now, Stokes is in the field against India, looking sharp enough in all departments. In the second innings he took the wicket of Sai Sudharsan. With the bat, the southpaw scores 20 runs in the first inning.

Bhogle and Gavaskar opined in the discussion as well

Pujara, while doing his commentary jobs, said, "India needs a player like Ben Stokes, who can bat, bowl, and field." In reply, Harsha Bhogle reminded him of Ravindra Jadeja, now one of the most experienced cricketers in the current setup. Bhogle mentioned, "India has one in the form of Ravindra Jadeja in home conditions. But he is not the same in overseas matches."

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar tried to focus on the future aspect during this chat. Gavaskar has high hopes about Nitish Kumar Reddy. "India can look at Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is a good batter and scored a hundred in Australia. His bowling will only get better," he said.