Former India batter urges batters to ‘Play like Puji and Rahane’ on controversial MCG surface after 4th Ashes Test
A former India cricketer assesses the controversial MCG pitch in the 4th Ashes Test and urges batters to adopt the gritty techniques of Puji and Ajinkya Rahane to handle tricky surfaces.
Last Updated: 12.15 AM, Dec 30, 2025
The pitch controversy surrounding the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) continues to draw reactions from around the world, and a former India international has offered a distinctive perspective on how batters should navigate such difficult batting conditions.
After the match, which finished inside two days and saw 36 wickets tumble with no player reaching a half-century, critics pointed at the surface for heavily favouring bowlers. The MCG pitch was later rated “unsatisfactory” by the ICC, receiving a demerit point under its monitoring process and sparking debate over fairness and balance between bat and ball.
Amid the criticism, the former India batter Robin Uthappa suggested that technique and temperament are crucial on such wickets, recommending players adopt the resolute style of international batsmen like Cheteshwar Pujara (‘Puji’) and Ajinkya Rahane, both renowned for their ability to grind out tough runs against challenging bowling attacks.
“See, it’s a dichotomous situation. It’s not like it's an impossible wicket. There are such wickets in Melbourne which are very juicy for fast bowlers… I think it's because of the way cricket is played today. I feel like these pitches are unsporty, but if you’ve the right technique and the right mindset and the fight in you, you’ll be able to figure out a solution for this kind of a wicket also. It’s not a high-scoring game, but it’s not… It won’t be a 300-plus game, but even a 250 on this wicket is possible. You gotta fight it out. Play like Puji and Ajinkya Rahane. Definitely, you’ll score runs," said Uthappa on his YouTube channel.
I don’t enjoy it a lot: Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa also spoke about how he is not enjoying the Test cricket these days because it has lost its essence. Earlier, matches used to go on until five days but now, the games are getting over in just two days. He also spoke about Joe Root and how he looked quite lost in the fourth Test match.
“I am saying this with a grain of salt because the way we’re playing Test cricket has now changed. I don’t enjoy it a lot – like the Ashes Test matches that finished in two days. What are we doing to the sport for entertainment? Joe Root looked too lost in that Test match. He didn’t know how to play, play attacking cricket, or play his own way in the second innings. It was quite unfortunate… I empathize with them," said Uthappa.
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