Shubman Gill-Rohit Sharma Opening Combination Suits My Style Of Batting: Cheteshwar Pujara

Indian Test No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara has admitted that having two attacking batsmen in Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as openers helps him immensely as it allows him to play his natural game.

India struggled with their opening combination in the opening two Tests in Adelaide and Melbourne due to the poor form of Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal. While Shaw was dropped post the shambles of Adelaide, Mayank Agarwal made way for Rohit Sharma after four consecutive failures in the first two Tests.

India finally got what they wanted from their opening combination in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground as Sharma and Gill saw off the opening burst from the Australian pacers, stitching consecutive 50-plus stands.

Pujara, during an interview with Hindustan Times, reckoned that with the likes of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma taking on the bowlers from the other end, it helps him to settle down and play his natural game.

This was on full show during India’s second innings in the series-decider at the Gabba during Pujara’s 2nd wicket partnership with Shubman Gill. With Gill playing his strokes and taking on the Australian bowlers, it allowed Cheteshwar Pujara to block one end up and face blows after blows after blows by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood during his heroic knock of 56.

“Both of them are attacking players. That does help me in some way. If another partner is trying to take the bowler on, it allows me to play my natural game.” Cheteshwar Pujara said.

Pujara further added that he has loved batting with the batsman, who are completely different from his style of play as it allows him to dig deep and bat for hours without worrying about the scoreboard. He went on to give the example of Virender Sehwag, with whom he batted during the initial phase of his career.

He added that with Sehwag putting the opposition bowlers to the sword, he did not have to worry too much about the scoreboard pressure and it not only helped him settle into his innings but also build a partnership,.

“I have batted with Viru pajji (Sehwag) also, where he would have already put the opposition under pressure with his batting. That’s a great way to build a partnership,” Pujara added.

Also Read: I Couldn’t Sleep And Had To Take A Sleeping Pill: Shubman Gill Opens Up About His Test Debut