Former India player Wasim Jaffer has praised Cheteshwar Pujara for rescuing India from a tough situation against Bangladesh on Day 1 of the ongoing Chattogram Test. He also felt that the right-hander looked in complete control throughout his knock. However, he also stated that the veteran used the opportunities to score during his spectacular knock against the hosts as well.
However, Pujara scored 90 off 203, including 11 boundaries. He first shared a fifty-plus partnership with Rishabh Pant to help India out of early trouble. He then shared a 149-run stand with Shreyas Iyer for the fifth wicket as well.
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Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Jaffer said: “He has set such a standard – Cheteshwar Pujara. Wickets were falling on the other end and he was soaking all the pressure up, taking his time. Anything loose, he’s scoring runs on it. He will be feeling unlucky that he missed out on a very good hundred. On top of that, Test cricket has not been played regularly. Coming in straight away and getting into his groove is what Cheteshwar Pujara is all about. He did all the hard yards, took his time early on, and played the spinners very well. When he got the opportunities to score, he never missed those.”
Wasim Jaffer, though, stated that Pujara has lately found himself in trouble against left-arm spinners. His statement came as he was bowled by Taijul Islam, who emerged as the best bowlers for Bangladesh with 3/84 on Day 1 as well. Jaffer, then, added that India should try to reach 350-odd runs to put the hosts under pressure as well.
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“Getting runs when India needed it most was very very crucial. Lately, he has been deceptive to left-arm spinners because he gives himself a little bit of chance for the ball to spin. Even today, he got out like that, but I thought he played a really fine knock. 350 can be a winning total because India have got three good premier spinners and two very good fast bowlers. On a wearing pitch on Day 2 and 3, it’s not going to be easy,” Wasim Jaffer concluded.
