By CricketCountry Staff
Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara grabbed headlines on day one of the first Test against New Zealand in Hyderabad as he scored an unbeaten century and is looking forward to pile up more runs on day two.
Published: Aug 23, 2012, 07:30 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 23, 2012, 07:30 PM (IST)
Cheteshwar Pujara said the India A’s recent tour to West Indies helped him to gain confidence. © PTI
By CricketCountry Staff
Hyderabad: Aug 23, 2012
Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara grabbed headlines on day one of the first Test against New Zealand in Hyderabad as he scored an unbeaten century and is looking forward to pile up more runs on day two.
The Saurashtra batsman said he will aim to score a double ton but emphasised that India reaching a score of 400 plus will be a priority.
He said,” Obviously, and even MS [Dhoni] was telling me that you have a chance to score a double hundred. So let’s see what happens. We have to put up 400 runs on the board and that’s what the first target is.”
Pujara said he is delighted on scoring a century as the opportunity came his way after a long time.
He said, “I am really happy for it. I was out because of the injury and had to wait a long time for this hundred.
“On debut, I thought I could have capitalized and made a hundred but I am really happy that I made a comeback and made a hundred and started off very well.”
Pujara thanked family and friends who kept him motivated when he was out of the team.
He was quoted by BCCI’s official website as saying, “I am very thankful to my family, especially my father; he is always there to help me out and he has been coaching me since I was a child.
“He inspired me a lot and it is love for the game and that’s what keeps me going.”
The batsman said the India A’s tour to West Indies helped him to gain confidence. He said,” It helped quite a lot because we were playing in tough conditions [in the West Indies] and individually, I did well. So I was very confident about this tour.”
Having the experience of playing in Hyderabad earlier helped Pujara prepare well for the Test match.
“I think it is because of the preparations I knew that I will be facing these kinds of bowlers. And I have played a couple of matches in Hyderabad, so I knew wicket a little better than other grounds,” said Pujara.” And I think it is the preparation that got me going.”
Pujara believes the state of the pitch will change and aid the Indian spinners in subsequent days.
He said, “The odd ball is bouncing from the good length spot and it has also started turning a bit, so it is going to be helpful for us.”
