Cheteshwar Pujara Is Rahul Dravid, There Is Still A Role For A Player Like Him: Michael Clarke

Former Australian Captain Michael Clarke compares Cheteshwar Pujara to the legendary batsman Rahul Dravid stating that the role played by Pujara is as important as the role played by Dravid. He explains that there is still room in this cricketing era for players like Pujara and praised Pujara for his patience in the format. Pujara was the second-highest run-scorer for India in the Border Gavaskar Series with 271 runs in the 8 innings he played.

“Well, he is Rahul Dravid all over again. Isn’t he? Well, I was lucky enough to play against the Great Wall. Very similar parts to Pujara’s game. He is very tough, he doesn’t give it away. He has copped criticism, people were saying Cummins had his measure but they just couldn’t get him out. He copped everything but he didn’t change his natural game. That’s why he deserves so much credit. Michael Clarke told on Sports Today.

Cheteshwar Pujara’S Contribution To The Series Win

The other attribute which brought a lot of praise for Cheteshwar Pujara was the way he handled the last day of the Gabba test after taking as many as ten blows on him. He held one end without losing wickets which was the first step to success in the historic run chase at the Brisbane test. He was dismissed for 56 in the second innings in which he got to his slowest fifty in test cricket.

Pujara was really a pillar rock in the Sydney Test as the Australian bowlers tried their hearts out to dismiss him but they couldn’t. He scored two valiant fifties in the third test which helped India to escape from a defeat. He was the joint top scorer in the first innings with a 50 off 176 deliveries. His highest score in the series came in the second innings when he scored a fighting 77 off 205 balls to save the game for India on the final day of the Sydney Test.

They Know How Important He Is –  Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke mentioned the importance of a player like Pujara who was ready to do anything for the team and he indeed succeeded in playing a huge part in the mammoth run chase at Brisbane.

“Again, that’s why he bats an important position. You know players don’t take him for granted. They love him being in the group. They know how important he is. In a cricketing world where everyone wants fours and sixes, there is still a role for a player like Pujara. He played a huge role in not only India winning the Gabba Test but once again India having success in these conditions,” Michael Clarke added.

Clarke had also told that he was lucky to be playing against the legendary Rahul Dravid who played a similar role to that of Cheteshwar Pujara.