Former India batter Mohammed Kaif praises Pujara after making his way into the Indian Test squad ahead of the 1st Test vs Bangladesh.
Mohammed Kaif Praises Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara so far played 96 Tests and scored 6792 runs at an average of 43.82 which includes 18 centuries and 3 double centuries. Pujara played his last Test match on July 2022 against England at Edgbaston.
Kaif said that the selectors made a mistake by dropping Pujara, and the batter, with his performance, made them surrender.
“The way he scored runs after getting dropped, he has set an example for young players on how to make a comeback. He went to play County cricket, he scored centuries in four-day matches and 50-over games, which prompted the selectors to recall him. He made the selectors surrender in front of him,” Kaif told during an interaction organised by the Sony Sports Network.
Kaif also suggested that the Indian team needs players like Pujara who can bat on pace, as well as spin-friendly tracks, adding that age is just a number for a player of his calibre.
“Age has nothing to do with cricket. It is a skill-based game. It’s not football, where you have to run up and down continuously during the match. In fact, age is a plus point. You learn with experience and improve. Pujara, Kohli and Rohit and prime examples.
Test cricket is a skill-based format, you have to play for days and you need experience for that. You need players who can bat on turning, as well as seaming tracks, and you only get better with time. Pujara is a prime example,” he added.
KL Rahul has been named as the skipper of the Indian Test team after Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the 1st Test owing to a hand injury.
The first Test match will kick start on December 14 in Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.
