Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his resilient batting against Australia’s bowling attack, shared his insights on the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophystarting Friday in Perth.
He believes KL Rahul should occupy the crucial number three position. Pujara also expressed confidence in Yashasvi Jaiswal’s abilities, drawing a parallel with David Warner’s prime form.
“I don’t know the batting order. I would prefer him (Rahul) at No. 3 because he has the experience to bat there,” Pujara said in Star Sports press room.
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The team composition is still under consideration, with potential options including Rahul opening alongside Jaiswal, and Devdutt Padikkal batting at number three to maintain a balanced batting order.
“It seems the team is preferring Devdutt (Padikkal) at No. 3 for the left-right combination. He has batted at 5-6 and in the middle order. It will be easier to bat at No. 3 than opening. If he can bat at No. 3, it will be good.”
Pujara praised Jaiswal’s talent, comparing him to Australian batting great David Warner, and believes Jaiswal could play a significant role in India’s success.
“One of the most talented cricketers India has produced…. I’m very confident that going forward, he has a lot to prove. I know he will play a key role in this series if we have to win.”
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He envisions Jaiswal replicating Warner’s impactful opening performances for Australia, highlighting the young batsman’s mental strength and batting prowess.
“His role would be one of the most important ones. He can play a role similar to what David Warner used to do for the Australian team.”
Pujara emphasized Jaiswal’s potential across all formats, believing he has a bright future ahead.
“Being an opener, he holds the key. He’s mentally tough. He loves batting, hits a number of balls. He has a long way to go across the formats.”
Pujara emphasized the importance of self-belief for young players facing the challenges of Australian conditions.
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“I will tell them the first battle is a mental battle. Self-confidence and belief are needed to make runs in these conditions. When there is pace and bounce, there is a chance of the ball hitting the body. You have to come out of that fear.”
He advised Indian batsmen to carefully assess short-pitched deliveries, emphasizing the difference between deliveries faced in India and Australia.
“As a batter, you need to understand your strengths. We often end up playing hook shots we aren’t quite capable of. On Indian pitches, most short-pitched deliveries are below shoulder level. But in Australia, they’re often above shoulder height.”
Pujara recommended a situational approach, analyzing each delivery and reacting accordingly.
“As a batter, you need to identify which balls to leave and which to play. Those below the shoulders are the ones you can pull, but you need to be in control of the shot. Sometimes you leave the ball, and sometimes you pull. You can’t have a set rule — you just need to look at the ball and play according to the situation. Be in the present moment.”
While Virat Kohli may be experiencing a lean patch, Cheteshwar Pujara believes his past successes in Australia will help him bounce back and find his form.
“There is a lot of expectation of him. The number of matches he’s playing and the athlete Virat is, he doesn’t get enough breaks in between. That is why sometimes, when you’re not getting enough breaks, your body and confidence go down a bit. That’s normal.
“He has got some break. He’s at a place where he likes to compete. If someone is having a go at him, he would like to give it back to the bowlers — that’s how he started his journey.
“He has set high standards for himself. He has that awareness. He has been a leader and is probably the best in the circuit. He’s aware of what’s expected of him and how many runs he has to make.”
During the 2017-18 tour of Australia under Kohli’s captaincy, Pujara scored over 500 runs and played a pivotal role in India’s historic Test series victory.
“I’m confident that once he gets going, he needs to spend some time in the game. He’s capable of doing all things. Always leading from the front, it’s about getting a 50-60-70. If he gets a hundred, then he will have a great series ahead,” Pujara said of Kohli.
“In every match, he is motivated, whatever the format. Definitely, he has worked on it. It’s about getting that start and spending time at the crease.”
Rishabh Pant, the architect of India’s epic triumph in the 2020-21 series, has made a remarkable comeback after surviving a horrific car accident two years ago.
Pujara believes the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter is now much smarter and is one to watch out for in the upcoming series.
“Australian bowlers struggle a bit to bowl to lefties. There’s a different kind of enjoyment watching him. He’s an attacking player who puts pressure on the bowlers. It becomes easy for me to play my natural game as they try to stop runs.
“Whoever bats with Rishabh in that partnership, it will be crucial. Batting at No. 5-6, with the ball a bit old, he plays attacking cricket. He can change the entire match in one session.
“Freedom is very important; he should be in his zone. He has developed that smartness, picking and choosing bowlers — whom to attack and whom to rotate the strike against. I’m sure he will have a successful tour this time. He’s a lot smarter over a period of time.”
