Cheteshwar Pujara, who is renowned for his practical approach to batting, stated on Thursday that he has realised the need for some flexibility in order to remain competitive in Tests, the only format in which he competes.
After talking with the team management, Pujara, whose international career has spanned more than 15 years and is about to play his 100th Test, has added new strokes to his arsenal.
In a home series against Sri Lanka last year, Pujara was momentarily benched from the Indian squad due to complaints that he “wasn't able to move the game” and exert pressure on the bowlers.
How tough was it to stick to his principles in this environment?
On the eve of the second Test against Australia, Pujara told PTI, “Obviously, it was hard, but the most important element is you need to be psychologically strong, believe in yourself.
“I am aware of how I achieved success in the first five to seven years of what I did, and although I cannot modify my strategy, you can undoubtedly improve and add to it. But you can't alter your whole game, the player with 19 century and more over 7000 Test runs argued.
The difficulty of playing against players that play many formats is another. These players presumably have a distinct aspect to their aggressive style.
“Every player has a unique playing style. What I've learned over the years is that you should stick to your skills and support them. I've added a few shots to my game in recent years and am still developing as a cricketer.
Team management advised me on what I needed to improve.
After being cut from the Indian squad, he returned to English county cricket, hit a lot of runs for Sussex, and then made a comeback to become the 13th Indian to play 100 Test matches.
After being left out of the squad, Pujara said, “I had clear information that there were certain areas I had to improve on and there would be chances to play for India.” He said that he had previously talked to Rahul bhai (Dravid) and Vicky paaji (Vikram Rathour).
I had the chance to play that one-off Test match in England again, and this time I was prepared because I had played first-class cricket for Sussex and had amassed enough runs and confidence.
The word “I” creates a lot of impressions, but he realised that in order to get back into the flow, he needed to have an open mind.
While I was playing for Saurashtra and against Sussex, I tried playing sweep shots against quick bowlers and paddle scoop as well. As a player, playing white-ball cricket has benefited me.
Pujara said that he is now willing to play a few unconventional strokes in the conventional style.
“It has changed my perspective, and I want to put them into practise in tests. You are a little more adaptable and open-minded, and that has helped me even in the most recent series against Bangladesh, when I was able to play a few shots when we needed to pick up the pace.
“I've been a bit more adaptable and open-minded to changes, and I've been more willing to be open to changes in circumstances and in technique.”
The development of patience and mental fortitude cannot be taught in a book. It is an innate quality.
“Patience requires mental fortitude as well as a lot of practise. Preparation is key, and playing junior and first-class cricket helped me develop my patience.
Athletes often talk about blocking out outside sounds, but Pujara claims that sometimes even good news or words of praise may function as a distraction.
“I do a little amount of yoga, pranayama, and meditation because I need to block out the outer noise. While it is simple to say, doing so sometimes requires mental fortitude and a detachment from what is being said outside.
“Block out the news, even if it's good news. It's crucial that I don't read the news or check social media.
HE PLAYED SOME OF HIS BEST KNOCKS AND ATTACKS.
It is hard to single out particular innings after playing for 13 years, but Pujara does have a few favourites.
“The 72's inaugural game against Australia. If I hadn't made those runs, maybe I wouldn't have participated in Test matches. my first century outside of the subcontinent came in the second innings in Johannesburg in 2014.
The 92 at Chinnaswamy against Australia in 2017, the 123 in Adelaide in the 2018–19 series, and the 56 at the Gabba, when he was repeatedly struck in the body, were mentioned.
James Anderson, who has dismissed him 12 times in Test cricket, is right up there with Pat Cummins as one of the hardest bowlers he has faced in Australian conditions.
On the 2011 South Africa tour, Rahul Dravid came to his aid since he too felt Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn to be too hot to handle.
How much has he changed as a person over the years?
“I am the same guy as Cheteshwar. I am the same person you talk to when you know me, and I don't believe you need to change if you are a nice person, he said.
