The veteran Indian Test batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara has often been termed as an apt replacement for the veteran like Rahul Dravid. Pujara bats at No.3 has a solid technique, is a true grafter, and often seen playing some gritty knocks – all traits that Dravid possessed in his heyday.

Pujara opened up on the comparisons with one of India’s best Test batsman Rahul Dravid on the latest episode of India Today Inspiration on Saturday.

During a recent chat with India Today, Pujara said, “It is a big honour for me but it’s not the right comparison because I still have a lot of things to achieve in my life and someone like Rahul Bhai who has played all the formats, scored more than 10,000 runs in Tests and ODIs, he’s played T20 format as well. So I still have a lot of achieving and I’m still learning. I’m at an age where I have taken a lot of guidance from him, luckily he’s always available.”

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The Indian Test specialist also revealed how former India skipper Rahul Dravid helped him complete the transition from Ranji to the international level.

Happy Birthday Rahul bhai 🤗
Thank you for always being an inspiration to me, both on and off the field! Wish you a wonderful year ahead. pic.twitter.com/ylvvF2czWJ

— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) January 11, 2020

Talking about the transition, Pujara said, “I first met him at a Ranji game and he was back then captaining the Indian team. At that time I hadn’t played any international matches. How to transition from Ranji to the international level, that was my first conversation with him. When I got into the team I spoke to him about what should I do, he had many thoughts on how to approach international cricket. Also when we are talking about the technical aspect of this game, he knows what he’s talking about. He has told me not to make a lot of changes in my game, I just have to fine-tune a few things.”

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Pujara will be in action next in the Test series against New Zealand which will get underway on February 21. He was in fine form as he notched up two fifties in India’s last Test outing against Bangladesh at home. He will be looking to continue the phenomenal form in the two-match Test series against New Zealand.