Batting Big…

“The game is the same in all formats. It’s about getting the basics right and playing well. Technique is the foundation and one shouldn’t tamper with it to score in the shorter versions. Yes,some adjustments and improvisations are required,but basically it’s about power and the speed of the bat. You need to put away even the good deliveries. Adjustment in bat speed is required as bowlers rely heavily on the change of pace. I’m working on these areas and have improved a lot,” Pujara told The Indian Express.

Modern-day cricket demands flexibility and there’s no place for a type-caster. Pujara is a good student of the game and feels that the challenges help cricketers grow into the job.

“It’s not easy to change gear from one format to another,but that’s the challenge. It helps one become a better cricketer. I think I have improved a lot. Last season I missed out on the IPL owing to injury but played well in the practice matches. However,I have played very little in the T20 format. Hopefully I will get a chance this time,” said the 21-year-old,who discusses his cricket with his father,Arvind Pujara (an ex-Ranji player).

Make no mistake,first-class cricket has been and remains Pujara’s top priority. “Ranji Trophy is my main focus. I am hungry for runs and want to score consistently,” he said.

A well-compiled 204 against Maharashtra,coming back from a six-month lay-off,spoke volumes of his hunger for runs. It was not easy as a long break can make a batsman rusty,but the youngster neither pottered nor pouted. “Going into my first Ranji match after the break,all I wanted was to get into the groove. I never felt that I didn’t play for long. I was enjoying my stay at the wicket,” Pujara explained.

“It was not easy during the lay-off. I did my rehab at the NCA. I am grateful to the BCCI and then NCA director Dav Whatmore for their help. I also had a long discussion with Rahul Dravid at the Academy. But more than cricket we discussed about the mental aspects,” he added.

Pujara is very happy that Whatmore has become the coach of the Knight Riders. “Whatmore is fantastic. He is one of the best coaches in the world. It will be great playing under and learning from him.”

A freak knee injury before the start of the IPL in South Africa had rendered Pujara hors de combat for six months. But he has made a dream start to the new season. An India call beckons? “My job is to score consistently and if I can do that I have a chance. I don’t set a target and always play according to a situation. It’s for the selectors to decide (if I’m good enough). If I continue to perform they will pick me at the right time,” Pujara said.

Indeed,the selectors are taking note. “He is definitely in our scheme of things. Unfortunately he got injured and missed out on the Irani Cup and the Challengers. But he has made a good comeback. Let’s see how he progresses,” said a national selector preferring anonymity.

A monumental last season,in which he scored more than 1000 first-class runs,showcased his talent. But a section of the cricketing fraternity feels Pujara needs to develop his backfoot game to play for India. “Let’s not talk about the negatives. He is young and has loads of time to improve. He is a performer,” the selector concluded.

Meanwhile,Saurashtra checked in at the city for their Ranji match against Bengal that starts on November 24.

Pujara wants to keep the momentum going.

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