Australia vs India 2018-19: This is the Best Squad I've Been Part of - Cheteshwar Pujara

India’s number three batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was the difference between the two sides. Pujara amassed 521 runs and played as many 1258 balls to be adjudged the Man of the series award. The right-hander also scored 193 runs in the final Test match to also bag Man of the match award. Pujara scored three hundred in the series and batted at the top of his game.

Cheteshwar Pujara batted with gumption and he was able to deliver the goods. Pujara scored 123 in the first innings of the Adelaide Test match and backed it with 71 in the second essay. Thus, he came with a match-winning performance when India had their backs against the wall as they were tottering at 41-4.

Meanwhile, the final and fourth Test has been drawn. Hence India has won the Border Gavaskar trophy by 2-1 and they win their maiden Test series in Australia.

Pujara was the difference between the two sides.

Cheteshwar Pujara said while talking at the post-match presentation, “It’s a great feeling for all of us. We’ve been working really hard to win a series overseas. And especially doing it in this country, it’s never easy. First hundred was special, scoring it in Adelaide and going 1-0 up is something which we were all aiming for. When you do that, there’s a good chance of winning the series. As a batsman, you just need to get used to pace and bounce. Playing in different conditions, in South Africa, in England, in county cricket has helped me improve my technique”. 

Pujara had averaged 33 on his previous tour and he averaged 74 in this series. Hence, there was a day and night difference between his performance. Pujara said that this is the best Indian squad he has ever been part of.

“Definitely the best squad I’ve been a part of. Congratulations to the bowlers. Taking 20 wickets in never easy. I’ll be playing some first-class cricket back home. During IPL, I might be playing county cricket. Next Test series is 6-7 months away. I’ll work hard on my game to play white-ball cricket. But Test cricket is my priority, it’ll always remain my priority”.

Cheteshwar Pujara came with the match-winning performances and he would be proud of his good show. Pujara also helped other batsmen to score around him and he did a fine job. In fact, Pujara would be now seen in Indian whites after a gap of six to seven months.

Meanwhile, he would be working hard once again in the domestic circuit for Saurashtra and will also play County Championship.