Australia vs India 2018/19: Cheteshwar Pujara Made The Difference - VVS Laxman

Cheteshwar Pujara had a dream series in Australia. He achieved something big, which showed that he is a complete cricketer. His pure class in the 4-match Test series has been outstanding and rightfully, he was adjudged man of the series as well. Meanwhile, speaking of the same, the former Test specialist VVS Laxman hails Pujara.

Cheteshwar Pujara has been in outstanding form in Australia. Last month, he had bailed India out of trouble with a sublime 123 at the Adelaide Oval. Before that, he scored another half-century in the second innings, which ensured India had enough on the board to secure a historic win. Then, he went on to knock 193 at SCG.

The 31-year-old Saurashtra batsman ended up with a staggering 521 runs in the series at an average of over 74 with three centuries and a half-century. In one of those staggering stats, Pujara faced 1258 deliveries, comfortably the most by any batsman. The previous best was registered by Rahul Dravid when he travelled Australia, way back in 2003-04 tour.

I am delighted – VVS Laxman on India’s series win

VVS Laxman in his column to Times of India quoted that he can’t put words to measure his happiness for the series victory. He lauded astounding captaincy of Virat Kohli and the impressive character shown by the rest of the boys.

Further, Laxman quoted that the class shown by Cheteshwar Pujara was something great learning for the youngsters. He hailed the class of Pujara, who toiled Australian bowlers with his solid defensive tactics.

“I can’t express in words how immeasurably proud I am of Virat and his team for having created history. It was my dream to be part of a winning side in Australia. I am delighted that I can live out my dream. Through the wonderful exploits of this team. Particularly impressive was the character and resilience India showed in the aftermath of the big defeat in Perth,” VVS Laxman wrote.

“It was heartening to see Cheteshwar Pujara back at his best, taking up responsibility and batting with the patience and single-mindedness associated with him. In Pujara’s ability to make a good thing count and tire out the opposition bowling is a massive lesson for youngsters. The volume of his runs, as well as the number of hours he spent at the crease, was the difference between the two teams,” Laxman added.

Well, as VVS Laxman said, Cheteshwar Pujara has made the difference with his resilient knocks. He scored as many as three centuries while Australia’s best knock was 79 from Marcus Harris in the final Test of the series. The difference clears sumps up the story.