One of India's most consistent performers in Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara now wants to represent India in all three formats, reports DNA. Pujara's first-class record is impressive and ever since his Test debut in 2010, Pujara has turned out to be the one of India’s most consistent batsmen, in the longer format of the game.
Now, the 27-year-old wants to replicate similar form in the limited-over format of the game and has it as his resolution for 2016. Having played just 5 One-Day Internationals, he is longing to represent India more often in the shorter formats.
“I am confident that I can do well in T20s or 50-overs. I have done well in domestic one-dayers and have scored good amount of runs. I know I’m capable of playing in all formats. It is just a matter of time.
“I am working on certain areas and am looking to improve, trying to bring in a few more shots that will help in all formats. I will do well in the coming years since I am working on it. Whenever I will get an opportunity I will do well,” he said in an interview.
The Rajkot-born cricketer, credited bowlers for their excellent performance in the recently concluded Test series against South Africa, and savoured winning the series 3-0.
“I think it was excellent. The Indian team defeated world No. 1 team 3-0. It wasn't easy, though. A lot of credit goes to the players, especially the bowlers who took wickets and the batters who did a good job on wickets that I think was challenging,” he remarked.
About the whole pitch episode, Pujara stressed on the need to build partnerships to survive on such a wicket.
“In domestic cricket, we play a lot on such wickets. We had the experience of playing on such wickets better than the South Africans. There are places where you get such tracks in domestic cricket. Basically, you need to play according to the situation and build partnerships,” he said.
The Saurashtra batsman also talked about practising and implementing a few new shots, as he believed cricket was a constantly evolving sport.
“I don't want bowlers to know the shots I’m working on. It definitely helps in Tests too as there are times when you are batting with the tailenders and you have to take some risks. This kind of stuff will help in all formats. There is still scope for improvement and am not lacking anywhere. Cricket is always about improving,” he added.
Pujara admitted he was fortunate to have made his international debut at a time when all the legends in the Indian cricket team were playing together.
“I have played with many legends like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag. I was fortunate to be along with all these cricketers and to be able to interact with them. I have the best of memories in cricket that I could wish for,” he said.
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