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Pujara hopes to shed 'slow' perception

Last Updated 12 February 2017, 19:37 IST
Perceived as a slow batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara showed the attacking side of him on Sunday when he cracked a near run-a-ball 54 as India went in pursuit of quick runs.

Slamming six boundaries and even a six, the Saurashtra cricketer proved he can up the ante when needed, just like he did in Indore last year when he hammered a 148-ball 101 not out in the second innings of the third Test against New Zealand.

“I think I am very hopeful that perception will go soon as I have got a T20 hundred in a DY Patil tournament,” said Pujara. “I’ve added few shots to my game which is helping me. Even in Tests, the way I am striking the ball, the way I am batting, I have changed my game which is helping me in T20s and one-dayers.

“There is a perception that I can’t play many shots. This was one of the occasions that gave me an opportunity to express myself and I did that. In near future I think things will change,” hoped Pujara.

Pujara was confident India will complete the formalities on Bangladesh on Monday despite the visitors showing good stomach for fight. “I think the ball has started turning now, probably the wicket is slightly on the slower side. But at the same time it has opened up and there should be more assistance for spinners tomorrow. That’s what we expected, the ball to turn from day three. The way we performed as a bowling unit, lot of credit goes to the bowlers. It wasn’t an easy wicket where you can run through the sides, you need a lot of patience. They had to work hard to get them out.”

Bangladesh’s batting coach Thilan Samaraweera felt the opening hour on Monday will prove very crucial to their chances of saving this game. “This pitch luckily is a better pitch. The first hour is very important, because if you give momentum to the Indians, then we are in trouble.”
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(Published 12 February 2017, 19:37 IST)

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