Pujara stated that his century in Mumbai meant more to him
India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has admitted that the 135 he scored against England during the second Test at Mumbai felt a lot more satisfying than his double hundred in the first Test at Ahmedabad.
Pujara noted that his innings at Mumbai felt better since it helped India amass a good first innings score after starting off in poor fashion.
“I think this knock was better than the Ahmedabad innings,” Pujara said. “This innings was more satisfying than the double hundred because we were in trouble and the team needed runs on the board… I thought even the wicket was difficult to bat on. So, it was satisfying to score a hundred on a difficult wicket.”
Pujara was at the crease for 452 minutes and took 350 deliveries to score his 135 before being stumped by Matt Prior off the bowling of off-spinner Graeme Swann.
But, what exactly is Pujara’s secret to consistency?
“Consistency is the most important part of a batsman,” Pujara added. “I am happy that I am able to perform consistently and this is what I always like to do. I have done the same thing even in the domestic format… I am happy that I have been able to repeat that at the international level as well.”
The Indian batsman also noted that the national team’s first innings score of 327 was a decent total, especially given the conditions of Mumbai, which is known to be a paradise for spinners.
“Our first target was to put 350 on the board,” Pujara said. “We tried our best, but in the end we managed a decent total. Initially it was difficult playing spin on this wicket… I think the wicket is slowing down a bit and it’s easy to play shots now.”
Pujara also credited England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar for taking full advantage of conditions.
“Monty was quite impressive,” Pujara added. “I knew that he would be bowling well in these conditions… He knew the areas he needed to bowl, and he utilised the pitch well.”
Pujara has been compared to legendary India batsman Rahul Dravid throughout his entire career, but he was quick to dismiss the theory once again.
“I have always said that it’s a wrong comparison… He has scored more than 10000 runs in both the formats,” Pujara said. “I am just starting my career. I just want to play my natural game and do well for Team India. I don’t have any long terms plans at the moment.”
The middle order batsman also felt that he would do well if given the opportunity to represent India in ODIs.
“I can play the ODI format as well… In domestic cricket, I have been very successful in the Challenger Trophy, and I think I will get my chance in the ODI format as well,” Pujara added.