IND v NZ 2021: ‘All of us are looking for his guidance’, Pujara says Dravid’s rich experience will help Team India

Team India whitewashed New Zealand 3-0 in the T20I series under Rahul Dravid's coaching.

Rahul Dravid | GettyVeteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara feels legendary Rahul Dravid’s presence will certainly help the Indian Test side grow as a team.

Dravid took over as India’s head coach after Ravi Shastri's tenure ended following the T20 World Cup 2021. The Men in Blue registered a 3-0 T20I series victory over New Zealand in Dravid’s maiden assignment as India’s full-time coach.

Now, Team India will face the Kiwis in a two-match Test series, beginning November 25 in Kanpur.

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"After the WTC we all were hurt but we came back strongly in England and we played very good cricket. Now the team is back together, confident and new coach Rahul bhai is there," said Pujara in the virtual press conference. "That will help most of the players, especially the young players, who have worked with Rahul bhai during the Under-19 and India A series.

"And even someone like us, who are experienced players. I have played with Rahul bhai and worked with Rahul bhai during the A series. All of us are looking for his guidance. The amount of experience he has as a player and coach that will help the team," he added.

Pujara isn't concerned about the New Zealand pace battery having already countered it in the 2016-2017 season at home.

"We have our strategies prepared against Neil Wagner and we have also played him in 2017, so we know how he bowls in Indian conditions so we will plan accordingly," he said.

Pujara may have failed to score a Test ton since January 2019, but it is something that doesn’t bother him.

"I have been scoring runs, the 50s, 80s or 90s. I've not scored a ton but I am not worried about it as long as I keep batting well and contributing to the team's total. My focus is giving best for the team," he concluded.

(With ANI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 23 Nov, 2021

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