There is space for veteran Cheteshwar Pujara in the Test side during the challenging tour of Australia, reckons former batter Robin Uthappa.

"All of a sudden, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had a rocky period and are not making the runs you would expect them to make," said Mark Taylor.

Legendary Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar heavily criticised the batting approach adopted by the Rohit Sharma-led side after their 0-3 Test series whitewash against New Zealand.

India were completely outplayed by New Zealand in the recently concluded Test series as the Rohit Sharma-led side suffered a 0-3 whitewash on Sunday.

En route to 90 in the third Test against New Zealand, Gill also went past India's former No. 3 Cheteshwar Pujara's tally in a list where he only trails Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant now.

Cheteshwar Pujara has been the hero of several India vs Australia series

India vs Australia: The selectors are expected to announce the squad on October 28

Pujara's tally of 66 red ball centuries is miles ahead of present India stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Kohli has 36, while Rohit only has 29.

Regarding the India player's absence, Australia star Pat Cummins said: "It's going to be a shame that he is not there"

Rohit Sharma's decision to bat backfired as four of India's top seven batters were all dismissed for a duck, including star batter Virat Kohli, who perished after playing nine balls.