Jonty Rhodes Responds to Cheteshwar Pujara's Subtle Comments

Following the 2^nd day’s play between India and South Africa at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, one of India’s mainstay in the batting order Cheteshwar Pujara said that their bowlers could bowl better than their South African counterpart which didn’t go down well with the hosts. Former Proteas batsman Jonty Rhodes who is working as an analyst cum commentator in the ongoing series has responded to the subtle dig taken by Pujara.

India was bowled out for just 187 in their 1^st innings, and it was largely possible due to half-centuries from the blade of skipper Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara commented that on a surface like this 187 was equal to 300 during a post day interview with Shaun Pollock.

“It (187) is as good as scoring 300 on any normal pitch. Our bowlers are used to bowling better lengths than what South Africans are used to. If you bowl in the right areas and if you pitch the ball in the right length, it is very difficult to play on this wicket. Our bowlers are used to bowling in that area,” Pujara said during an interview after the 2^nd day’s play.

During the post-match analysis show, broadcaster and journalist Harsha Bhogle referring to Pujara’s comments said,

“In his own gentle way, he (Pujara) also took a dig at South Africa, saying our bowlers bowled better lines, lengths.” To this Rhodes responded by saying, “That is the same guy that said they will be happy to chase 350 in the last innings in Cape Town. Was it not? Just check. I remember his interview. I am just checking. He is talking about 300 (in Johannesburg). It was a good effort.”

During the opening Test, Pujara had said that they would be looking to chase nothing more than 350.

“To be honest, we don’t want to chase too many runs but at the same time, the way the wicket is behaving, I think, anywhere around 350 will be chaseable. In the first innings, the top order obviously didn’t click but in the second innings I think we will put up a better show and if we continue to bat well, we can definitely get more than 350.”

The visitors lost the opening Test by 72 runs failing to chase down a total of 207 runs. They lost the 2^nd Test by 135 runs and ended up surrendering an unassailable 0-2 loss. India is playing for pride in the final Test and will be hoping to end the series on a high.

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