Coach Anil Kumble has brought a change in my mindset: Cheteshwar Pujara

CHENNAI: Cheteshwar Pujara returned to international cricket after almost seven months when India toured West Indies. He was a bit rusty and found the going tough. But in a couple of months' time, the right-hander once again looks well settled in the No. 3 spot of the Test team. The 28-year-old finished as the highest scorer in the series against New Zealand with 373 runs.On Friday, Pujara told TOI during an exclusive chat on how Kumble brought a change in his approach, his equation with Kohli and much more. Excerpts:
India finished as the No 1 Test side and you the top-run scorer. You cannot be more satisfied.
We knew that if we can beat New Zealand, we can achieve the No 1 ranking. With a long season where we play as many as 13 Tests at home, it was important that we start on the right note. New Zealand are a very competitive side but we never expected to beat them 3-0. We played good cricket and we performed in all the departments. The triumph will give us the momentum and confidence going into the season.
Talk us through about your own performance. You were failing to convert the starts until you hit a century in the last Test.
At stumps on the third day of the last Test, when I was batting on 1, I had a chat with Anil bhai. He told me that I had all the shots in the book and there is no reason why I cannot get a hundred. He gave me the assurance and I went on to score the century. There are always these expectations on me to convert my fifties into big centuries. So if I fail, it does hurt. But then, I take the expectations in a positive way. I am quite happy with the way I batted in the series. If you see in the second Test, the wicket was slightly difficult to bat on as it was assisting the pacers. But I did score 87. Even in the first Test, I did score a couple of fifties. So I was confident that I would score a century at some stage.
You also had a chat with Kumble at the start of the series where he had categorically told you that the pressure of strike rate shouldn't be there on you. Can you tell us what exactly did he tell you?
Anil bhai is someone who understands the players' psychology. He is very clear in what he wants from his players. He drew my attention to small details and told me what I should have been doing all these days. I cannot divulge anything more but I can say that the discussions with him did bring a change to my mindset and subsequently, there was a change in my intent.
Kohli also heaped praise on your batting at the end of the series. How do you see him as a captain?
It matters a lot when you enjoy the captain's confidence and he appreciates your effort. Kohli's aim is to win each and every match. He is not afraid to promote youngsters and that approach boosts a player's confidence. There is a lot of energy in the dressing room as well. With most us being young, the communication is also better. His work ethic is fantastic and we all try to intricate his values and approach in our game. So Kohli and I share a comfortable equation and we are always on the same page.
But were you under a bit of pressure after the WI tour?
I wasn't under pressure. I batted well and got a few runs. So I didn't fail there.
I like to spend time in the middle. That helps me to concentrate and gain rhythm. If I can settle down, my aim is to take the team's total past 500. If I can do that, it gives me a sense of satisfaction and also boosts my confidence. That's what the runs in the Duleep Trophy did. I am glad that I could translate the form in Duleep Trophy in the New Zealand series.
Also, since you don't feature in the shorter formats of the game you were also returning to international cricket after almost seven months in the tour of WI. So does that affect your batting?
I was not only returning to international cricket after seven months but to competitive cricket after five months. So I agree that when you have such a long break, it does become challenging to come back. Players who feature in all the formats can remain in touch with the game and are in the zone. But then, I am up for the challenge.
Under Kohli, the Indian team has become flexible. There is no fixed spot for any player. Does that bother you?
It is good that we have become a flexible side. It means you cannot take your place in the side for granted and it keeps you on your toes. So you have a healthy competition. That's probably why you will see all the players are performing so well.