Pujara announced his retirement from international cricket after a remarkable career lasting 13 years. ©BCCI
For Pujara, batting was a form of meditation, requiring immense focus to endure 525 balls in a challenging innings. He stood out as a classical Test batsman, showcasing his talent particularly in Australia.
Reflecting on his best innings, which match stands out?
One memorable innings was the unbeaten 145 against Sri Lanka under tough conditions. Additionally, he recalled his significant 123 in Adelaide in 2018, which was pivotal in securing a historic series win in Australia.
What insights do you have regarding your performances against Australia?
He also reflected on facing Australia at the Gabba in 2021, where he dealt with a challenging pitch and intense bowling, illustrating his mental toughness. Despite frequent body blows, he relied on his strength and faith to persevere.
What did you learn from facing tough opponents?
Pujara emphasized the importance of preparation against formidable teams like Australia, where every match tested one’s skills and mindset. He noted that his early debut against them helped him understand their challenging nature.
How did you develop your technique against spin bowling?
With a strong foundation built through experience in Indian club cricket, Pujara developed a technique of precise footwork to unsettle spinners, reinforcing his success against bowlers like Nathan Lyon.
What qualities have contributed to your success in Test cricket?
Pujara attributes his patience and determination to his early experiences playing for Saurashtra, where he learned that just scoring runs wasn’t enough. This drove him to aim for larger innings to lead his team to victories.
How do you perceive the evolution of batting styles in modern cricket?
Acknowledging the shift towards aggressive batting due to T20 influences, Pujara believes that players’ natural instincts now lean more towards positivity, even as they strive to balance aggression with traditional defense.
© Cricbuzz
