Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara dismissed criticism of his cautious style of play, claiming that his batting has always been dependent on the conditions.
Despite playing some significant innings, the 36-year-old has a strike rate of 44.36 in 103 Tests. However, it is worth remembering that Pujara has a Test strike rate of around 50 at home and less than 40 abroad.
When questioned about his innings-building batting technique in a recent interview, as published by Hindustan Times, Pujara replied:
“I think it’s a perception. My batting is always based on conditions. On pitches in India that are good, I don’t take time to get to 50s. It’s only in England, for example, when the conditions demand that the new ball has to be respected. That’s the traditional way of playing Test cricket.”
Cheteshwar Pujara
He also noted that the current pitches allow for a more aggressive style of hitting.
“Now England is playing more attacking cricket, but that’s on certain pitches. Also, the Dukes ball doesn’t have the same movement now. Earlier, cricket in England was a lot different. It’s easy to say that the game is moving and people are playing a lot more shots. But the pitches allow that now.”
Cheteshwar Pujara
England has developed an aggressive batting approach since Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took over as coach and captain in mid-2022.
This technique has led to a fantastic change in their Test results. England has claimed victory in 14 out of 20 matches during this time.
“I need to understand my strength and that’s how it will help the team” – Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara believed that understanding his job and playing according to the situations will aid the team more than functioning with a pre-planned batting approach.
The experienced batsman has increased the ante in the current Ranji Trophy while being remarkably consistent, as seen by his average of almost 75 at a strike rate of 55.16 in six appearances.
“I need to understand my strength and that’s how it will help the team. It will help whoever is walking in to bat after me. When I score well, it would help the team.”
“And in cricket, I believe it’s more important to win the game rather than think about how you play. If you are playing positively and bringing success to the team it’s fine. If not, there’s no point in saying proudly that we are playing positively. There are many ways of playing the game.”
Cheteshwar Pujara
Pujara has not been a member of India’s Test team since the WTC final against Australia last year.
He will play in Saurashtra’s last group-stage Ranji Trophy match against Manipur, which begins on Friday, February 16.