One of the mainstays in the Indian middle order in the longest format of the game, Cheteshwar Pujara is of the opinion that his best is still yet to come despite going through a purple patch in his career. He has been brilliant in the long home season last year and carried his rich vein of form even in the Test series in Sri Lanka.
“As a cricketer, I always feel my best is yet to come and I have been working hard for it,” Pujara, who told IANS during a telephonic interview.
“I am performing well, but I still feel there are areas I can improve and even perform better. So this is not the best phase of my life. I think the best is yet to come,” said the Mr Dependable for India in test cricket at the moment. The last year has seen Pujara turn out as the best batsman of the team even ahead of captain Virat Kohli.”
The batsman who loves to play long innings scored 309 in 3 matches during the Test series in Sri Lanka which included 2 tons. During India’s long home season in 2016-17, Puja amassed 1,316 runs from 13 matches. One of the best Test batsmen said that playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire in England has helped him a great deal.
“This was my third season (in county cricket). My first was for Derbyshire, then I played for Yorkshire. This time I played for Nottinghamshire. So I’ve always enjoyed playing county cricket,” said Pujara, who struck a century and a half-century in five innings of four games for Nottinghamshire.
“The wickets are always challenging; there is always something in it for the fast bowlers. So when you start scoring runs you feel confident as you start knowing your technique better. The culture and the atmosphere also (helps). I always have a good time playing over there and I learn a lot.”
When asked about India’s dominating performance against the Sri Lankans, Pujara said the team played to its strength after fine preparation.
“We have always backed our strengths. All our batsmen and bowlers are very well prepared. As a team we outplayed them; that is what I think and I don’t know how they played and how their bowlers were. They were a decent team, but we were stronger. We are the No. 1 Test team in the world and we played like that.”
The hosts lost the 3 match series by a 0-3 margin and after getting trounced by 304 runs in the opening match, they suffered resounding losses by an innings and 53 runs and by an innings and 171 runs. Pujara who is only part of the Test set up will be again seen in action in November when Sri Lanka visits India for a 3 match Test series.
When asked whether playing Sri Lanka in India will be the ideal preparation ahead of the tough series in South Africa Pujara said:
“Playing in South Africa against South Africa will be challenging. But at least before that, we will be playing three Tests against Sri Lanka in India. So the good thing is that we will all be together.”
“We will have to have different game plans and strategies when we play in South Africa, but playing against Sri Lanka in India will help us continue with our form. Condition wise it will be different, but it is always good to play international cricket before an overseas tour.”
When asked whether he fancies his chances of playing the shorter formats of the game, the middle-order batsman said:
“There will be a time when I will get my opportunity. At this point, all I can say is I am improving on a few things which is helping me in Tests and eventually will help me in the shorter formats.”
Pujara started of his career under the leadership of MS Dhoni and is now playing under Kohli. He refused to compare the two as the main motive of both is to win laurels for the nation.
“To me and everyone, that is the most important thing. I have enjoyed playing under MS and I now enjoy playing under Virat.”