'I think it’s a perception' - Cheteshwar Pujara rubbishes notions about batting style

Cheteshwar Pujara is renowned for his solid batting technique and resilience as well as has been a stalwart in the Test arena. Pujara is known for his patience and ability to occupy the crease and throughout his career he has played crucial innings for India. The veteran India batter has also anchored the batting line-up with consistency and determination. However, in recent times the legendary batter has been criticized for his defensive approach in his batting.

Citing this, in a recent interview, Cheteshwar Pujara dismissed the criticism surrounding his defensive approach to batting, asserting that his style of play has consistently adapted to match the prevailing conditions. Throughout his 103-Test career, the 36-year-old has maintained a strike rate of merely 44.36, despite delivering numerous significant performances. Yet, it's essential to recognize that Pujara boasts a Test strike rate of nearly 50 at home and less than 40 in away matches.

"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. 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," Pujara said speaking to Hindustan Times.

Do you think Cheteshwar Pujara deserves a call to the Indian Test team again?#India #Cricket #Pujara pic.twitter.com/weOQWZT23d

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I need to understand my strength: Cheteshwar Pujara

The Saurashtra Batter also believes that adapting his approach to suit the conditions is more beneficial for the team than sticking to a predetermined batting style. The experienced India batter has shown improved performance in the current Ranji Trophy, maintaining an impressive average of nearly 75 with a strike rate of 55.16 across six matches.

"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," said Pujara.