Test mainstay falls for eight a day after scoring his career-best 62; says these matches will help prepare for IPL
After scoring his highest T20 score – 62 – on Wednesday against Mumbai, Cheteshwar Pujara fell for eight on Thursday, trapped leg before by Baroda's Irfan Pathan as Saurashtra suffered their third straight defeat in the West Zone Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament.
For the 26-year-old batsman, these T20s are an ideal preparation for the upcoming Indian Premier League in which he will be playing for Kings XI Punjab.
"The wickets are a little challenging here. It was not easy to score. I had a good outing on Wednesday (vs Mumbai). Unfortunately, we (Saurashtra) did not win any of our matches. We are still an inexperienced side. Personally talking, it is good to play these matches before the IPL," Pujara said here on Thursday.
Saurashtra, after letting Baroda post 142/7 courtesy Yusuf Pathan's 28-ball 54 (3x4, 4x6), were bowled out for 116 to go down by 26 runs. By virtue of their third straight win, Baroda qualified for the All India Super League of this tournament to be held in Rajkot and Mumbai from April 8-13.
Pujara, on whose shoulders rested Saurashtra's fortunes, was hopeful of making the starting XI regularly for KXIP and opening with Virender Sehwag.
Asked what adjustments the Test mainstay had to make to succeed in T20s, Pujara said, "You don't get time to settle in T20s. You have to be ready to hit a four even if it is the first ball. You have to be a little innovative and disturb the bowler. I was trying to do that to Zaheer (on Wednesday), step out to convert a full toss. Those are the things I am working on. I still need to work on it and get used to it. There are still some adjustments to be made in T20."
Batting at No. 3 in Tests and domestic limited overs to opening for Saurashtra in the T20 here, Pujara said he was happy to bat at any position from Nos 1 to 4. "I'd like to bat at the top of the order. I can't say I prefer to open the innings. It depends on the team's requirement. If given the opportunity, I would prefer to open the innings. Nos. 3 or 4 are not deep down the order. If I am batting at 1 to 4, I am happy."
Following IPL will be India's tour of England in which Pujara's form will hold the key to the team's fortunes. "I can't talk much about future tours as per BCCI guidelines. It will be an important tour for the entire team. All the players are looking forward to it. Whenever you go abroad, there are quite a few challenges. As cricketers, you want challenges. If you want to grow as a good player, challenging conditions are where you want to perform. If you have good technique, you can survive there."
Playing today:
Baroda vs Maharashtra, MCA-BKC, 10am; Saurashtra vs Gujarat, Wankhede Stadium, 6pm
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