South Africa Vs India, 2018: Visitors won’t bog down hints Cheteshwar Pujara

Published - 02 Jan 2018, 08:15 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:47 PM

Cheteshwar Pujara, South Africa Vs India, 2018, Team India, Virat Kohli,
Cheteshwar Pujara has played 54 Tests for India. Photo Credit: AFP.

Adamant in approach, Team India’s top-order batsman and Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara believes the conditions would not hamper the visitors much adding they are ready for the challenge being thrown in a way while being as thorough professionals.

The 29-year-old right-handed batsman Pujara, who recently revealed his wife Puja Pabari is expecting a baby, reflected they are not concerned about the surfaces being provided by the hosts as he reiterated the national side is there to compete.

Cheteshwar Pujara, South Africa Vs India, 2018, Team India, Virat Kohli,
Cheteshwar Pujara has 14 hundreds and 16 fifties in 90 Test innings. Photo Credit: BCCI.

Regarding the 22-yard surface, Pujara has not shown any apprehension while remarking they have been on the South African soil before.

“We are not bothered by the type of pitch that they prepare,” Sport24 quoted Pujara.

The visitors might have applied the mindset to see every game as the home game, the bowling conditions which has been the norm in South Africa would further ask a lot to one of the senior batsmen in the form of Pujara owing to the pace and seam movement.

With India already having the massive task to continue their domination, Pujara had a couple of practice sessions so far, in a bid to get the better understanding of the surfaces on the South African soil.

Cheteshwar Pujara, South Africa Vs India, 2018, Team India, Virat Kohli,
Cheteshwar Pujara has smashed the highest Test innings total of unbeaten 206. Photo Credit: BCCI.

Pujara believes they are focusing on their strength and are supposed to go through the plan while setting up the parameters and they have chalked out for the surfaces whether it is going to be a placid surface or a green top

“We’ll just try and focus on our own processes. We have a clear game plan whether it is a flat wicket or if there is some grass on it … we are prepared,” Pujara asserted.

On the other side, Virat Kohli-led India is already up on their feet to prepare for the first Test of the three-match series which is slated for January 5 (Friday) at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town.

Pujara, who has a decent average in South Africa rather than at home against the same opposition remarked the members are confident enough to work as a unit to deliver goods in tandem

“We would just like to stay focused on the things that we want to achieve as a team,” Pujara maintained.

Cheteshwar Pujara, South Africa Vs India, 2018, Team India, Virat Kohli,
Cheteshwar Pujara wants to deliver. Photo Credit: BCCI.

According to the reports so far the surface has grass on it and which is evident while considering the history.

However, with three days still to go to witness the first ball, the change could also be expected.

While observing the Indian bowling department, Pujara is hopeful to see his teammates delivering goods against the quality side led by Faf du Plessis.

“As a unit, out fast bowling is much better this time. We have all the fast bowlers and they are quick so we have that advantage this time,” Pujara concluded.

The number one-ranked side India would want to give all-round performances against a side which has a terrific record in home conditions.

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Since 1992, India has featured in 17 Test in South Africa which saw the visitors registering just two wins.

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