Pujara scored 8 off 54 balls in the first innings and 15 off 80 in the second.
The right-hand batsman managed 8 and 15 in the both innings of the WTC final at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton. It is believed that Virat Kohli’s comments on being displeased with some players' performance may be directed at Pujara who scored 8 off 54 balls in the first innings and 15 off 80 in the second.
But, according to former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar, pointing fingers at Pujara is not the right way forward for Indian cricket.
Kamran Akmal defends Virat Kohli; says no guarantee another captain can win India an ICC title
“See, forget about India. Even if we are to talk about New Zealand's batting, then in this match – because conditions weren't favourable for batsmen and were in favour of the bowlers more – the way Conway batted, Kane Williamson batted in both innings, Ross Taylor batted after getting off to a slow start,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak.
The batting legend then pointed out that since the conditions were not favoring batsmen, not only Pujara but also some Kiwi batsmen were off to a slow start. Even the New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson scored 7 runs off 70 balls in a session, this is what Gavaskar told everyone to remember rather than criticizing Pujara.
“We should remember that. They too started slow, but if you want to raise fingers at Pujara, we can't do much. He is one player because of whose solidarity, players at non-striker's end can play their shots, knowing Pujara he could hold one end,” the 71-year-old signed off.
Team India is scheduled to take on England in a five-match Test series beginning from 4 August.
(With Sports Tak Inputs)