"Team completely backs my approach," says Cheteshwar Pujara after being criticized over strike rate

Pujara likes to take his time and get and then score big runs.

Cheteshwar Pujara | Getty

Indian middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara is considered to be a Test specialist due to his fantastic performances in the longest format of the game. In the era of T20 cricket, where batsmen are needed to score runs quickly, Pujara likes to take his time, get in and then score big runs.

Due to this, the right-hander is often criticized for a low strike-rate. But while talking to PTI, Pujara revealed that there is no pressure of scoring runs quickly from the captain or team management.

I don’t think there is too much talk (inside the team on strike rate). In media, it is described differently but the team management has been backing me on this completely. There is no pressure from the captain, coach or anyone else,” he said.

“You can’t bat for social media” - Pujara opens up on how he deals with trolls

I just want to clarify that when it comes to strike rate people start pointing towards the team management’s take on it, but there is no pressure on me at all. The team management understands my style of play and its importance,” Pujara added.

The 32-year-old who was a part of Ranji Trophy's final where Saurashtra won their maiden title against Bengal then talked about how he was questioned during the final on social media.

The question that was asked on social media (during Ranji final) was why am I taking so long to score X number of runs? Whether I pay attention to that, no, I don’t,” the right-hand batsman said.

My job is to make sure that the team wins at all times. I know I can”t be a David Warner or Virender Sehwag but if a normal batsman takes time there is nothing wrong in that,” he added.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Swapnil Shireesh Javkhedkar - 19 Mar, 2020

    Share Via