Pravin Amre Backs Cheteshwar Pujara To Come Good In South Africa

Former Indian batsman and renowned batting coach Pravin Amre has thrown his weight behind Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of India’s three-match Test series against South Africa. India’s Test mainstay has been under tremendous pressure after a poor performance against New Zealand at home.

But while many feel Pujara is approaching the end of his rope, Amre believes the Indian batsman has been backed by the team management and has been given special instructions to continue batting with grit and determination.

Speaking to CricketNext in an interview, this is what Pravin Amre had to say:

“I am sure Cheteshwar (Pujara) has received messages from the team management. I have read this in media reports. He has scored 6589 runs in Test cricket. All the runs he has scored are hard-earned. He has won India Test matches. He is experienced and has scored runs when Team India needed them, it has not been easy for him. He has played his role to win Test matches.”

It is important to back Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara: Pravin Amre

Alongside Cheteshwar Pujara, another batsman who is under immense pressure because of a lack of runs is Ajinkya Rahane. He has also been stripped of the vice-captaincy in Test cricket which is an indication that he might be dropped going into the first Test.

However, Pravin Amre is hopeful that the Indian team management will back both Pujara and Rahane since they have scored runs in difficult situations and when India needed them the most.

“They are not rookies; they are in the team because they have delivered. So it’s important to back them than doubt their abilities. These two boys – Rahane and Pujara – have done well for India when the chips were down,” Pravin Amre concluded.

The first of the three Tests will be played at the SuperSport Park, Centurion from December 26.