Reaching high target should always be the prime focus for any team: Pujara

YOU NEED TO BE REALISTIC WHILE PLAYING: PUJARA

Indian cricket player Cheteshwar Pujara is of the firm opinion that it is not always essential for making records for oneself but what matters sometimes while playing in challenging overseas conditions is the contribution made to the team. Pujara and Kohli shared a tremendous partnership to give India an unyielding grip against England in the third Test at Trent Bridge.

Also, India has put on a target of 521 at Trent Bridge but is still left with two days to play. While Pujara scored crucial 72 runs, Kohli scored 103 runs, hence sharing a 113-run stand.

“When you are playing away from home, it’s not about scoring big hundreds. It is about having enough runs on the board, collectively. Maybe sometimes the openers (didn’t) score more than 30-40 runs, but they are quite valuable for the team. Personally, I always want to score a hundred in any game I play, but at the same time you have to be realistic,” said Pujara after the match.

PUJARA PLEASED WITH KOHLI’S PERFORMANCE

Pujara was glad about Kohli’s 23rd Test century. This was Kohli’s second ton of the series against England. Even though Kohli missed the ton in the first innings by three runs, he made sure to convert the half-century.

“He batted brilliantly. He has been batting well since the first Test. He is in good touch and is making the most of it. Some shots which he is playing on this pitch are very difficult for any other batsman to execute,” Pujara added.

PRESSURE IS ALWAYS THERE WHILE PLAYING OVERSEAS

The No 3 batsman feels his County stint has helped him to tackle these challenging conditions. He also revealed that he was confident of a big score coming his way very soon. However, he acknowledged being under pressure after missing from the India XI in the first Test.

“I was always confident. Even though I did not hit many runs in County cricket, I was always playing on challenging pitches. I was determined of scoring a big one this one. But to be honest, there is always some pressure, especially when you have not scored too many runs,” Pujara continued.

To conclude with, Pujara admitted that one needs to have full confidence in his skill set to hit runs in these challenging conditions. England now has a target of 498 runs to seal the series against India with ten wickets in hand.

Another sublime knock by @imVkohli and a gritty one by @cheteshwar1. #TeamIndia in a really strong position to finish the game now. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/MvF7bvpBTZ

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 20, 2018

An 83-run partnership between @imVkohli & @cheteshwar1 as we break for lunch on Day 3 of the 3rd Test.#TeamIndia 329 & 194/2, lead England (161) by 362 runs#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/FkSgbXiuNP

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 20, 2018

FIFTY!

A hard fought half century for @cheteshwar1. This is his 18th 50 in Test cricket.

Live – https://t.co/4cMWTbVEFC #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/MxepVgUHQw

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 20, 2018