Ranji: Pujara gives Saurashtra edge
Commitment to the game is the biggest success mantra for India cricket team hero Cheteshwar Pujara. In the recently-concluded Test series Down Under, Pujara not only stroked a career-best score overseas, he also helped India win their maiden series in Australia.
On Monday, despite arriving late here due to a delayed flight, he came directly for practice, and within minutes, he had begun his warm-up at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium. Warm-up over, Pujara and Saurashtra skipper Jayadev Unadkat took a look at the 22-yard strip to plan their strategy for the five-day Ranji Trophy quarter-final against former champions Uttar Pradesh starting Tuesday.
Pujara’s presence brought smiles on the faces of Saurashtra players, who would be eyeing their maiden win against the hosts, who hold a 3-0 win record against Saurashtra in seven games. Pujara, who scored 521 runs, including three tons in four Tests, had a half-century against Services in his only Ranji game this season, and remains the batting mainstay of the side. If Pujara continues his good run, he could make life difficult for UP, who are aiming for their second Ranji title.
“Pujara is in tremendous form and we all are proud of him, but Ranji is an altogether different ball game. We are not targeting only Pujara, but aiming to continue our winning streak against the visitors,” said UP skipper Akshdeep Nath, who himself has been in a great form, scoring 709 runs with the help of three centu-
ries and two half centuries.
“We have a strong batting and bowling lineup. I have told my boys to play their natural game and not take pressure,” said UP coach Mansur Ali Khan, adding, “It’s like any other game for us and we should exploit the home conditions. Everyone knows his job well and there is no pressure on anyone. Unlike in the past, all the players this season have got adequate exposure from the first game itself.”