Pujara hails Hardik Pandya for keeping India alive in the 1st Test

The Indian team was left battered by a lethal pace attack which featured the likes of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, and Morne Morkel. And history repeated yet again as India’s woeful fortunes with the willow in the rainbow nation continued. After losing three early wickets on Day 1, including marquee batsman Virat Kohli, it was of utmost importance that the Indian batsman showed perseverance and tenacity to establish their foothold.

However, playing in the opening Test without any warm-up fixture surely took a toll on the team’s performance. Not privy to the pitch condition, the Indian wickets fell like a pack of cards. After the loss of Kohli, India received its biggest heartbreak when Rohit Sharma was declared lbw on just 11. They were reduced to a measly score of 57 for 4, enter Hardik Pandya.

It was a one-man show on the Day 2 of the opening Test in Cape Town. The versatile all-rounder showed an impressive character as he took on the charge single-handedly and scored a feisty 93.

Lauding Pandya, India’s top order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara while interacting with the media at the end of the day said, “He batted really well and showed a lot of character. He hasn’t played many Test matches away from home but this is the kind of innings (he played) we expected it from him if he played in the playing XI. I think if someone who is very promising, he is batting well, bowling well, it makes a lot of difference to the team because when you have a very good all-rounder, it balances your team combination. I hope he continues with this.”

“To be honest, we don’t want to chase too many runs but at the same time, the way the wicket is behaving, I think, anywhere around 350 will be chaseable,” Pujara said to ESPN Cricinfo. “In the first innings, the top order obviously didn’t click but in the second innings I think we will put up a better show and if we continue to bat well, we can definitely get more than 350.”

Pujara’s cameo helped India steady the innings

Pujara did well early on Day 2 to provide some stability to the innings after they had lost 3 wickets in quick succession on Day 1. The right-hander played a steady cameo before being dismissed by Philander on 26. After that, it was a downslide until Pandya took over the reigns of the sinking Indian ship.

The Men in Blue ended the day on a satisfactory note after sending both the Protea openers Elgar and Markram back to the hut.

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