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The former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has picked his dream Test batters’ team, featuring some of the biggest names in world cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara selected a different legend for every important batting skill, from technique and defence to consistency and the ability to score huge runs.
Pujara’s perfect batter includes a strong mix of modern stars and all-time greats. Kane Williamson, Rahul Dravid, Joe Root, Hashim Amla, Virat Kohli, Jacques Kallis, Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar all earned a place in his special list for their batting speciality. Amid this, BCCI plans FTP change to give Team India more rest before SENA tours.
Cheteshwar Pujara picks his dream Test batters’ team
Game Sense – Kane Williamson
Cheteshwar Pujara picked the former New Zealand batting star Kane Williamson for game sense. Williamson has a strong understanding of match situations, which impressed Pujara most.
Cheteshwar Pujara said on ESPNcricinfo, "I'll go with him because he has played many important knocks for New Zealand. So, his game awareness is pretty good.
Technique – Rahul Dravid
The former Indian batter then selected Rahul Dravid, one of the finest technically sound batters in Test cricket, for the best technique in the longest format of the game.
Dravid’s solid defence, patience and classic batting style have made him a role model for many players. Pujara said, “I think he's probably one of the best players when it comes to technique.”
Defence to Spin – Joe Root
He then went with Joe Root when it comes to defending quality against spin. The England star has shown great control against spinners and is now only behind Sachin Tendulkar in the Test tally. Pujara said, “That's a tough one. But if I had to pick one, I might go with Joe Root.”
Defence to Quicks: Hashim Amla
The former Test specialist picked Hashim Amla for his calm approach, impressive innings in England and South Africa, and ability to handle pace with ease when it comes to facing fast bowlers.
Pujara said, "For me, I think Hashim Amla, the kind of knocks he has played in England and in South Africa. He makes defence so easy, and he has a lot of time when he's defending the ball against pacers.”
Footwork – Virat Kohli
He selected his former Indian captain Virat Kohli for his excellent movement at the crease and ability to play confidently on both the front and back foot.
Pujara said, “I think probably Virat has the best footwork when it comes to facing pacers. His preciseness against pacers, moving on front foot and back foot both.”
Consistency – Jacques Kallis
For consistency, Pujara picked the legendary South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis for his reliability and remarkable consistency across the formats.
He said, "I think someone like Kallis. Probably another great all-rounder. But when it comes to batting, he performed really well in this format for the South African team. And he has done it again and again.”
Ability to Score Big – Brian Lara
Pujara went with the West Indies legend Brian Lara for his ability to play massive innings and produce long, high-scoring knocks in the red-ball game. Earlier, Suresh Raina slams IPL Impact Player rule, backs BCCI’s overseas league policy.
He said in his praise, “Because if you look at his record, not just in Test cricket, but even in First Class cricket, he has played many big knocks. So, the ability to score big is Brian Lara.
Legacy – Sachin Tendulkar
For legacy, Cheteshwar Pujara has picked the Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar for his outstanding performances with the bat and huge influence on future generations of cricketers.
Pujara said, "I think it's the way he has performed for the Indian team across formats. I think he's probably the best in that, leaving the legacy behind for some of the younger players to follow.”
Who do you think could dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara’s ideal Test batter? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ujvANVf1b0
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