India’s premier Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Friday reveals the crucial advice of former India captain Rahul Dravid which taught him the importance of switching off from cricket. Pujara has been lauded as the perfect fit for the big shoes of Dravid. Chetsehwar bats at No.3 has a solid technique and often plays the role of the sheet anchor – all traits that Dravid was especially known for during his illustrious career. 

During a recent chat with ESPNCricinfo, Pujara said, “He helped me understand the importance of switching off from cricket. I had the same thought, more or less, but when I spoke to him, it gave me a lot of clarity about it and I was sure of what I needed to do. I also saw in county cricket how they keep personal and professional lives separate.”

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He further added, “I value that advice a lot. Many people consider me to be focused on. Yes, I am focused, But I also know when to switch off. There is life beyond cricket.”

Cheteshwar Pujara also said that he “cannot describe in one line” on what Dravid means to him, adding that the former Indian captain has been no less than inspiration in his career – both on-and-off the field.

The Indian Test specialist said, “I cannot say in one line what Rahul bhai means to me. He has always been an inspiration and will remain one. His mental fortitude and batting technique is often compared to Dravid but Pujara said “despite my enchantment with him” he never tried to “copy him.”

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Pujara also added, “There is a similarity in our games, but that’s not because of my fascination with him. That came mainly through my experiences with Saurashtra, where I learned that scoring a hundred alone isn’t enough, you have to carry your team. That is how I learned responsibility – it is about helping my team to raise a big total, and for that, I ought to attach importance to my wicket.”