While Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant are not fit for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ajinkya Rahane is not considered for selection.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just a few days away, with the Australian and Indian cricketers sweating it out in the nets to prepare for the most important mission. Although the Indian team is the 'favourite' to win the series due to 'home advantage', the absence of players like Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and Ajinkya Rahane is worrying some. When Cheteshwar Pujara was asked about it, the veteran batsman said that everyone should be on top of their game, both individually and as a team.

In an interview with the Times of India, Pujara was asked how his role would change as the trio of Rahane, Bumrah and Pant were not part of the process.

The senior batter responded saying: "India vs Australia is always a big, important series. You've to be on top of your game, not just as a player, but as a team. Everyone looks forward to competing well against the Australian team, and they've especially been a great Test team. So, I look at this as a great challenge, and something I look forward to. Over a period of time, there's been a great rivalry between us. There've been some great Tests between us, and that's something which all of us are looking forward to in the upcoming series as well."

Pujara was asked about his battle with Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins. The Indian star said it was their "experience" that made them tough to face.

"Look, they have experience. They understand their strengths very well. Especially when playing in Australia, they use the situation well. They know where to play, in these conditions. Therefore, I think that the main battle against them is still in Australia. Not to mention that they are gamblers and have done well even in India, but my important battle against them was in Australia. It's something you have to do a lot of preparation for, as a boxer, you have to find your way to prevent them. As a boxer, you always see the challenge,” he said.