Indian middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara is currently playing the second Test of the four-match series against Australia. Pujara has been one of India’s most consistent batters for India in Test cricket for over a decade. Pujara will become the 13th Indian cricketer to play 100 Test matches. He will join the likes of legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, and several other greats.
Former Indian Coach Ravi Shastri, who has worked with Pujara in close quarters during his stint as India’s head coach heaped praise on the Indian domestic legend for his great contribution to Indian cricket and how he has taken the responsibility for India as No. 3 batter in Test cricket.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Legendary Ravi Shastri hailed Pujara for his immense offering to the team and added he has been the pillar for Indian cricket in the absence of Rahul Dravid.
“His contribution to Indian cricket is his ability to hold on to that No 3 position for such a long time. When Rahul Dravid finished, he had big boots to fill. To take that position and retain it for over a decade and 100 Tests is a tribute to his skills, ability, and quality. Yes, he owned that place after Dravid’s retirement,”
Shastri lauded his efforts to be the best batsman for India irrespective of conditions and standing tall for India when the team is in difficult situations and said that to play 100 test matches for India is a phenomenal achievement by him.
“One has to see the conditions before what is expected of a No 3. The strategy will differ from condition to condition and situation to situation. For someone to last that long and play 100 Test matches is an ample manifestation of the fact that he has been doing most things right,” Shastri told Cricbuzz.
Pujara has enjoyed a good run in red-ball cricket. In 99 Tests, the 35-year-old has scored 7,021 runs with the help of 19 centuries and 34 fifties. He averages 44.15 on Tests and has a high score of 206*.
“The Next Biggest Thing In The World Of Cricket Is Women’s Cricket,” – Ravi Shastri
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri feels that women’s cricket is the next biggest thing in world cricket and India’s victory in the Under-19 World Cup will inspire the growth of women’s cricket in India.
“The next biggest thing in the world of cricket is women’s cricket. And, there is no better time than to launch the Junior Athletes Development Programme, The recent victory in the Women’s World Cup (under-19) and the Women’s Premier League are all great signs for a very good future for the sport,” Ravi Shastri said during the launch of The Junior Athletes Development Programme.
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