Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed the need for India to field an extra pacer in their Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne, even if it means sacrificing a batter.

As the crucial fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looms, India faces the challenge of addressing their bowling concerns despite Jasprit Bumrah's outstanding form.

Bumrah has been the standout performer, claiming 21 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.90. However, the rest of the bowling attack has struggled to offer consistent support. Pujara, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, emphasised that, alongside Bumrah, India should consider bringing in Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna to bolster the pace unit, complementing the existing options of Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.

"I think the bowling lineup is something which India needs to work on. I feel that Bumbrah, Siraj and Akash Deep, they are doing a good job. Jadeja and Nitish both have contributed well with the bat, but we are lacking one bowler and India will have to add another bowler if possible and maybe try and reduce a batter. I don't know. I'm unable to find the right 11 at the moment because I don't see a lot of changes going into the next Test match," he said.

The team's spin department has also come under scrutiny following Ravichandran Ashwin's shock retirement after the Brisbane Test. Currently, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar lead the spin attack, but the pace-friendly conditions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground may limit their impact. While adds depth to the squad, his role in Melbourne appears uncertain.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, a part-time fifth bowler and in-form batter, alongside Jadeja, provides a safety net with the bat, making the decision to include an extra pacer a complicated one. Pujara acknowledged this dilemma, suggesting that India must weigh the balance between maintaining their batting strength and addressing their bowling vulnerabilities.

India's skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir now face a critical decision. Should they rely on their current form players like Nitish Reddy and Jadeja, or take the risk of experimenting with a new combination by adding a pacer? The outcome of this call could prove decisive as India looks to gain an upper hand in the series.

With a place in the World Test Championship Final at stake, the Boxing Day Test will be pivotal. The strategy adopted for this match might not only determine the result in Melbourne but also shape India's journey in this high-stakes series.