India’s Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara hailed the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, Rahul Dravid. Pujara is often hailed as the modern ‘wall’ of the Indian Test team and often compared to Rahul Dravid for his similar defensive techniques.
Pujara will be seen as team India’s vice-captain in the 1st Test match against New Zealand, which will kickstart on November 25th in Kanpur and Ajinkya Rahane will be leading the team, in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli.
Ahead of the much-awaited Test match, Pujara talked about the new head coach Rahul Dravid and said that he feels Dravid’s presence in the team will help the youngsters. He also said that everyone in the Indian dressing room is looking forward to working with Rahul Dravid. He said:
“It will help most of the players, especially young players who have worked with Rahul bhai during U-19 and India A days. Even experienced players like us, I have played with Rahul bhai,”
Pujara further added how Rahul Dravid brings a lot of experience both as a player and as a coach. He said:
“I have worked with him during A series, so all of us are looking forward to his guidance. The amount of experience he has as a player and coach of the team, helps,”
Further, in the press conference, Pujara was asked whether his aggressive approach after facing criticism helped him in the England series. Responding to which, Pujara agreed and said:
“Yes, I feel so. When it comes to performing, the mindset was a little different but when it comes to technique I don’t think there was a major change in technique. It was just the approach and I was a little fearless which helps,”
He added:
“You don’t need to put too much pressure on yourself and just try and go there and enjoy the game rather than worrying too much about what’s going around, That was the mindset during the England series.
“So far preparation has been good and experiences of playing in Indian conditions will help in the next couple of Tests,”
