India’s number 3 in Test XI Cheteshwar Pujara is not having a good run with the bat lately. Since the start of the first World Test Championship, he hasn’t looked in great form. However, during this time, he has some crucial knocks to help India avoid the defeat. Indian management is also backing Pujara to get the best out of him, however, he is failing continuously with the bat. Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer feels Pujara needs an inning like Virat Kohli to get back his confidence.
Cheteshwar Pujara scored 4 and 12* in the first Test match against England at Nottingham. Meanwhile, in the second Test at Lord’s, he got out on the score of just 9 runs. While talking about Pujara’s dismissal on his YouTube channel Salman Butt mentioned Pujara is playing shaky cricket.
He also highlighted that Pujara is low on confidence. Salman Butt stated:
“Pujara is playing shaky cricket. When you are not in form, you lack confidence. What Pujara needs is to spend some time out in the middle. Unfortunately, he is just not able to do that.
“He is getting good balls and Pujara himself is playing at balls outside off stump. He is a class player. But unless he spends time at the crease and scores some runs, how will he get his form back?” he added.
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“Pujara needs an innings like Kohli and everything will be good”: Salman Butt
Salman Butt praised Virat Kohli for playing a very good knock of 42 in the second Test at Lord’s. He further added that Pujara needs to play an inning like Kohli to get back in form. He also highlighted that previously Pujara has bounced back strong during his rough patch. Salman Butt asserted:
“Kohli played well today. He occupied the crease and scored 42 runs. He was also involved in a century stand with KL Rahul. I am sure he must have gained some confidence.
“Pujara needs an innings like Kohli and everything will be good to go. Bad form doesn’t define a player, how he comes out of it is what defines him. Pujara has fought it out before and has gone on to score big runs against tough bowlers. India should believe in him, it is a long series.”
Not just Pujara and Rahane, even Kohli needs some big scores under his belt. Also, like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, Kohli among batting greats who does not have a century at Lord’s.
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 12, 2021