“The next year or so will be an exciting phase for Indian cricket. I have moved out, the other seniors too will soon follow suit. I hope the youngsters grab the vacant spots and serve the game for a long time,” former India captain Rahul Dravid had said recently.
Cheteshwar Pujara seems to have answered Dravid’s prayer. Pujara with his recent good performances against New Zealand, in the Irani Trophy and Challenger series has led one to believe that he is keen to carry on the mantle left by Dravid , if not fill the legends shoe.
More the confidence better the performance is what helps a good cricketer to stay at the top. Pujara is brimming with confidence and is eager to make a mark and prove that he is prepared for the long grind ahead. “I had a good series against New Zealand, Plus I did well in the Irani Trophy and Challengers. This has helped me improve my confidence and do well in the Duleep Trophy and the upcoming season ahead,” said Pujara.
“I feel a lot more confident and should do well in the exciting series coming up against England and Australia,” added Pujara.
For long Pujara was known to be a grafter with limited strokeplay. But with time I have improved.
“My game has improved a lot and I can play shots on either side of the wicket. My focus in the Duleep game is to keep working on my basics and try to do better,” said Pujara.
Asked why there was too much fuss about his hook shot, he said “ No I have a good on-side play. In fact I can play shots with equal ease on both sides of the wicket. The hook shot is just done at the spur of the moment and I will use it judiciously,” said Pujara.