Cheteshwar Pujara

Marathon batsman Pujara says success in T20 event is short-lived; Ranji, Duleep 'real stuff'

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Cheteshwar Pujara Interview - 'IPL is a short-cut'

Mumbai: Cricket pundits insist that Cheteshwar Arvind Pujara is probably the best thing that has happened to Indian cricket after Rahul Dravid. 

Few batsmen score a triple century in their entire career. When somebody scores three in quick succession, it is sure to turn heads. The 20-year-old batting phenomenon from Saurashtra, has provided a fine option to Indian selectors at a time when India's batting stalwarts are on their way to retirement.

But there is something about this young man from Saurashtra which differentiates him from the others of his ilk. Unlike many of his age, Pujara certainly has a firm grounding and it can be ascertained when he talks about his priorties.

The West Zone batsman believes he can make it to the national team and added that he believes that first-class cricket and not Indian Premier League (IPL) was the right platform to don the Indian colours. 

"I think Indian Premier League is a short-cut. A player might make it to the national squad but the success will not be long lasting. A good Test cricketer is only made when he comes through the ranks. And first-class cricket is the right school for graduating to the international level.It helps you mature as a cricketer," said Pujara in an interview to cricketnirvana.com

If you are still wondering why Pujara's views on IPL are diametrically opposite to those of his age, then this might provide a hint. As part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, Pujara spent travelling the length and breadth of the country watching all the glitz from the sidelines.

"I was disappointed of course not to have played in any of the matches. But to share the dressing rooms with Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting was definitely a learning experience. Hopefully, this time around I will get tio play few matches." Pujara adds.

But since the start of the 'real' Indian season, things have taken a turn for the better with even chairman of national selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth acknowledging him as a great prospect.

Does that add pressure? "I think I play well under pressure. It feels good that people expect that I score big runs every time I bat. I will wait for my opportunity and when it comes I will try to make it big. As far as pressure is considered – I don't feel it," Pujara added.

The tall and well-built batsman insists that he does not think too much about his selection. Instead the right-hander follows a simple dictum: "If you perform you will be noticed''.

There is a fear that Pujara will very soon be slotted as a 'first-class player' only because of his classical approach. But the man himself is not too bothered about the same. “I don't think that way. I good cricketer excels in all formats. I think Rahul Dravid is the finest example that textbook players can strike gold in all versions," he quips.

And just to satisfy his critics, if there are any, he adds: "My strike-rate has improved over the season and that should hopefully help me stake a claim in the one-day and T20 formats." 

While many of his generation are still finding their feet in domestic cricket, Pujara appears embarrassed at the ill-advised comparisons with his idol _ Dravid. And in shooting down these comparisons, Pujara points out a vital difference.

"I feel that's a huge compliment but I also feel sorry for Rahul bhai. How can people compare me with him (Dravid)? He has scored more than 10,000 runs in both the formats where as I am yet to open my India innings."

But what if he was the man who eventually takes the place of the great man when he calls it a day? "I don't think it would be a good thing if I were to replace him (Dravid) in the Test team. I want to have my place in the team and not take someone else's place," he adds.

If anything Pujara has learnt one thing from his idol and that is to 'treasure his wicket' and just like Dravid the Saurashtra batsman too just likes to go on and on.

And for all those doubting thomasses who scoff at the prospect of a domestic performer making it big because of vast differences in standard, here's a simple tip from the young Pujara. "I treat the games against strong teams such as Mumbai and Delhi as practice for the next level." 

Therein lies the assurance here's a long-term bet, whether he succeeds or not depends entirely on Pujara himself.