We can press for a win: Cheteshwar Pujara

Indian middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was all pleased with the team effort on the third day of the first Test. Indian players had to watch England players pile on tons on the first two days. Pujara and Murali Vijay more than just covered up for it on the third day. While Vijay scored 126 off 301 balls, Pujara amassed 124 off 206 balls. Speaking to the media after the day’s play, Pujara spoke on how he forged the partnership with Vijay. He also assessed how India will push for the win in this Test from hereon.

Cheteshwar Pujara disclosed that his plan was to unsettle the bowler. He knew that the opposition will be on the defensive mode if he plays his shots. Pujara added that if India bats well on day 4, they can win the match. “The way I started playing shots, I expected that they will be on the defensive mode but when they have 537 runs on board the plan is very simple, first to reach that mark. And obviously we have a bright chance to win the game if we bat well tomorrow,” he quoted.

The Saurashtra lad hopes that the track will start turning from the day 4 and it will get tougher for the opposition to bat on the final day. “The ball will start turning from tomorrow and batting on day five will be difficult. At the moment I don’t want to talk too much about it,” commented Pujara.

The middle-order batsman believes that a lead of 70 odd runs can make a difference. But insisted the fact that for it to happen, India needs to bat well on day 4. Focus of the team will be to pile on runs as the day progresses. “We are still in a good position once we bat well tomorrow and get a lead of 60-70 runs which will help us in the second innings. It’s a good wicket to bat on. I saw some spin, saw a couple of balls turn and bounce. We expect it to be more as match progress, but our first focus will be to bat well tomorrow. And possibly press for win the day after,” quoted Cheteshwar Pujara.

Pujara and Murali Vijay put on 209 runs for the 2nd wicket and batted for the majority of the day 3. Both batsmen are preferred only for the longest format of the game. Talking about the reason for having such good rapport with the Tamil Nadu opener, Pujara feels it is the communication that they share helps them.

“It’s the communication, both of us have been playing Test cricket for a long time. Especially me and him — we are playing (only) this format particularly and we have spent a lot time not just on field by talking about this format. Sometimes it’s difficult for players playing only this particular format,” said Pujara.

Adding further to it, he said that they don’t get much practice since they do not play the other formats. Thus it comes down to communication for the longest format. They know each other’s strengths and compliment one another well enough. “When you don’t play other formats you don’t get quality practice and you are not in touch with the game. It’s just the communication that keeps us going. We know each other’s strengths we know what the opposition tries to do. Most important thing is communicating not only with Vijay but also other players as well,” he added.

Incidentally, the venue of Rajkot is the home ground for Cheteshwar Pujara. He has hit marathon knocks at this venue. It wouldn’t be wrong to state that he knows this venue better than anybody else. Speaking on his knock, he called the innings to be very satisfying one which means a lot to him.

“It meant a lot, I just wanted to play to my potential, rather than think about the home crowd. They bowled good lines, when the ball started reversing it was tough. I knew that if I stayed there I would get loose balls,” said Pujara who had his father and wife cheering him from the stands today.