One of the most surprising aspects of India’s performance in England thus far has been how India’s number three Cheteshwar Pujara has batted. Even since Pujara made his debut, he has been known as someone who can bat for a long time, in the Rahul Dravid mode. And, not surprisingly then, Pujara was aptly chosen as Dravid’s replacement at number three once the Indian legend retired. He has rarely disappointed playing some worthy knocks, but he somehow hasn’t got his act together in the two Tests thus far in spite of spending decent amount of time at the crease.
It has not been like Pujara hasn’t been comfortable out in the middle. In fact, he has batted in the same mode as he has done when he played some of his marathon knocks. But, somehow he has found a way to get out after getting starts. Twice out of four times, he has actually been dismissed going for an aggressive stroke. And, while the move shows that he is trying to make a statement of intent, things haven’t quite worked out in his favour so far. Perhaps, Pujara needs to revisit his tactics for the rest of the series.
Pujara’s numbers in the series tell an interesting story in itself. He has got starts in each of the four innings he has featured in, but has crossed the half-century mark only once. He made 38 from 69 balls in the first innings at Trent Bridge, and was dismissed for 55 from 101 balls in the second essay as India looked to save the match. Pujara’s performance in the first innings at Lord’s was crucial since he had the wherewithal to deal with the green top. He hung on for his 28 from 117 balls before being undone by Ben Stokes.
The situation was easier for Pujara in the second innings at Lord’s. He had a great chance to construct a big knock. Once again, he got a competent start, reaching 43 before being dismissed at a crucial stage. Pujara hung around for 83 balls for his knock, but rather strangely couldn’t carry on for the fourth time in four innings. Pujara performance in this series thus far has been in stark contrast to what he has delivered in the preceding Tests – he has two double hundreds to his name, one each against England and Australia at home, a 153 against South Africa at Johannesburg, a 159 at New Zealand in his fourth Test, and a 135 against England in Mumbai.
For someone with a love for big runs, it would pertinent to note that he has now gone 10 innings without a hundred. While he got a score of 70 at Durban, his highest score in New Zealand was 23, which means he had a complete failure. With a couple of others also struggling, India would be hoping Pujara finds his groove soon.
--By A Cricket Analyst
