Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been an integral part of the Indian team when it comes to red ball cricket. The Test specialist Pujara's form is going to be very important for Indian team when they will face England in August for the five Test matches.
Recently, in a chat with Sky Sports, Pujara spoke on India's chance to beat England in their home. "I believe that we have a very good opportunity but you have to take it one match at a time. A lot can happen in a five-Test series and I think that it's best that as a team you focus on one match at a time rather than thinking about the entire series and what the outcome may be.
"Another thing that is vital is the preparation. It's important that we prepare well and then execute our plans. If we do that, then I think we have a very good chance of beating England."
Speaking about the leadership of Virat Kohli and how he keeps a good environment in the dressing room, Pujara said the atmosphere in the changing room is always good. He further added that the experience of playing under Kohli and former India skipper MS Dhoni is same. It is satisfying.
"He (Virat) is very talkative, very passionate about cricket and he keeps the atmosphere going. The Indian team's dressing room nowadays is quite relaxed but there are also many young players who keep the atmosphere quite lively. The good thing is that all of the players enjoy each other's company on and off the field.
"So far the experience has been good. Even when MS Dhoni was leading the team, the atmosphere in the dressing room and out there in the middle was good. I've always enjoyed my cricket under the leadership of both Kohli and Dhoni. They are different characters, but I've really found it very motivating and satisfying to play under both captains."
The interviewer, Saj Sadiq asked about a dream Test between India and Pakistan at Lord's, the home of cricket. Pujara thinks it would be awesome. "Yes, that would be nice but that is something that I cannot really control or is in my hands. It's up to the Government to decide on such things and as cricketers, we follow their guidelines. But if it was to happen, then I'd be ready for Pakistan. If it doesn't happen, then so be it, that's not my call."
Pujara hasn't played much ODI cricket, said that he wishes to improve. "I would love to do that. I've been working a lot on my shorter-format cricket and I feel I have a chance as I think I am a player who can play and do well in all formats," he said.
(With the inputs of Sky Sports)
