Kolkata: Cheteshwar Pujara is known for his penchant for hitting big hundreds but he stated Saturday that the innings of 52 on a seaming Eden Gardens track is more apt reflection of his strong character in adverse conditions.
“I always love playing on challenging wickets. It suits my technique and temperament. That’s where your character comes out and you feel that you are confident and can pull your team out of trouble. I try and stay strong when the wicket is difficult,” Pujara told reporters here.
“In such situations, I try to motivate myself and tell myself ‘Today is the day where I have to stay strong and show my character’,” he added.
The frequent rain interruptions had made it more difficult to consolidate his innings agreed Pujara. “It’s always tough as weather is not in our hands. Test cricket is all about that when you need to learn as a batsman and bowler. It’s tough for a batsman when there’s a rain interruption,” Pujara pointed out.
Pujara had no complaints about the green top that has been laid for this particular Test match. “We are ready to play on any kind of wickets. There were some help for pacers against New Zealand last time too when we played here. If we have to gain recognition as a team we have to tackle and overcome all conditions,” he added.
Injury not serious
Kolkata: Injury-prone Mohammed Shami walked off the field after failing to complete his 14th over but Cheteshwar Pujara insisted that the injury was not ‘serious’ and the pacer would be back in action Sunday. After bowling the fifth ball of his 14th over, Shami appeared to have pulled hamstring muscle on his right leg as he asked for his cap and left the field. “I don’t think there’s anything serious. It’s just a minor injury and he should be back on the field tomorrow (Sunday),” Pujara told reporters.
Press trust of India
