Cheteshwar Pujara: “Test cricket will always be more special than other formats”

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Image Courtesy: AP/BCCI

While the One Day International and T20 formats have been the go to formats for nascant cricket fans to enjoy the sport, Test cricket has been regaining its lost charm. In the subcontinent, the Team India skipper Virat Kohli’s love for the red ball cricket has been the main factor, as head coach Ravi Shastri said himself. Now, India’s star batsman Cheteshwar Pujara speaks likewise.

Image Courtesy: AP/BCCI

Pujara scored two double centuries in the recent two match Test series against Bangladesh back in November. In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, the player opened up about how much he cherishes the format over white ball cricket.

“Times are changing and white-ball cricket has become popular. But Test cricket is always special and it will always remain special. And let us hope it continues for as much time as possible,” Pujara told reporters.

Despite his age that might slow him down in the fear future, the 31 year old stated that he still prefers Tests over limited overs cricket: “Yes, it would, But your priority is always to play Test cricket as much as possible. It is still a long way to go. Luckily I am young and I still love playing this format.”

Pujara, who plays for Saurashtra, Pujara scored an astounding knock of 248 consisting of 24 boundaries and 1 over boundary in the first innings of the match against Karnataka yesterday.

As India will be heading to New Zealand for their upcoming Test tour next month, Pujara expects his stunning domestic spell is leaving a positive impact: “If you achieve such a thing before such tours, you feel confident and you start trusting your game again.”

Pujara continued: “That is because when you are going abroad and you are playing in challenging conditions, you need to trust your game, trust your preparation.”

In his 57 Test appearances for the Men in Blues, Pujara has scored 5740 runs, with an impressive batting average of 49.48. With 18 centuries and 24 half centuries to his name, Pujara is also in the top 10 list of the ICC’s Test Batting rankings, securing no. 6th spot with a rating of 791.

“It is the right time actually – we are going to New Zealand soon so it is good for the preparation. Whenever you score runs, you are high on confidence and you also get back your rhythm.” Pujara concluded.

The Black Caps Test series will kick off on 21st February at the Basin Reserve Cricket Ground in Wellington.

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