Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara is of the opinion that the impending three-match Test series against Sri Lanka will play a significant role at home before the formidable India flies to South Africa for the gruelling bilateral series.
“The upcoming Sri Lanka series will be a good opportunity to prepare for the South Africa assignment,” Pujara was quoted as saying by PTI.
Interestingly, the 29-year-old top-order batsman Pujara has been among runs to make his case stronger, in a bid enjoy his spot in the Team India while donning the white jersey.
Cheteshwar Pujara. Image Courtesy: AFP
“Each and every batsman has his own distinct style of batsmanship. It’s of no use trying to copy anyone else. Each and every player has his own strengths and builds his game accordingly,” Pujara asserted.
Brimming with confidence, after scoring a double hundred against Jharkhand in the second round of the Ranji Trophy fixtures, Pujara smashed yet another century while facing Gujarat in the fourth round in Rajkot.
Previously, in his last Test fixture in August, having the knack for playing the longer innings smashed 153 and 133 in first two Test fixtures on the Sri Lankan soil.
However, the right-handed batsman just managed eight after facing 33 deliveries in his third and final Test of Lankan tour. Pujara is hopeful to score the bulk of runs for his side, as he believes he could rise to the occasion on the Proteas soil.
Cheteshwar Pujara. Image Courtesy: AP
“Obviously, next year’s South Africa series is something that is there at the back of my mind. I am confident of doing well,” Pujara maintained.
Interestingly, the first Test between hosts South Africa and visitors India is scheduled in Cape Town on January 6.
“The main preparation will certainly start closer to the series,” Pujara said.
Admitting the fact, Pujara reiterated a lot of things would be thoroughly discussed with the management and the staff in particular.
Indian Cricket Team. Image Courtesy: AFP
“I believe once we assemble to play the Test series against Sri Lanka, there will be some serious discussions on the South African tour. There will be strategies and plans in place,” Pujara added.
Pujara remarked he has already put in hard work while scoring runs for the state-side Saurashtra, as he went on to add he takes every series as a challenge and would work in nets to improve where he lacks in actual, but in the meantime, he didn’t specify the areas owing to the strategic plan.
“There are a few areas that I will like to work in the nets before the series. Those are very specific things but it will be unfair to reveal them as that’s a part of the strategy,” Pujara concluded.
Pujara, who also played five One-day internationals, is averaging 52.65 with the bat in 51 Tests. He amassed 4,107 runs in 85 Tests innings which further saw him registering 13 hundred and 15 fifties after his debut came in October 2010 against Australia in Bengaluru.
Tahir Ibn Manzoor, who tweets @TahirIbnManzoor (https://twitter.com/TahirIbnManzoor) - works as an editor for Sportzwiki.com. He has a great affection for longform feature writing. He completed his masters...
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