After failing to keep the New Zealand pacers at bay for long and not producing a performance befitting his class in the WTC final, Indian Test No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara is facing scrutiny from certain corners over his form and technique.
Pujara made scores of only 8 & 15 in India’s bitter eight-wicket defeat at Rose Bowl. He got out LBW to an inswinger versus Trent Boult in the first innings and uncharacteristically poked at a ball and edged it through to the slips in the second facing Kyle Jamieson.
While Pujara’s value and impact in the Indian Test side can’t always be judged through runs alone, the experienced right-hand batsman has certainly not been as prolific in the last two years. His hundred in the 2019 New Year’s Test in Sydney to cap off a legendary trip to Australia was Pujara’s most recent score past 100-mark for India.
And now, South Africa speedster Dale Steyn has brought to light an interesting revelation and chink in Pujara’s armour that he feels is holding the Indian No.3 back.
In a conversation for ESPNcricinfo, Steyn said the Pujara that he bowled to was a significantly better backfoot player than he has been in the last few years. Steyn said this basic change in his stance has reduced Pujara’s range and shots across the playing arena.
“That’s the thing I have seen lacking in Pujara. I’m so used to him rocking onto his backfoot and playing with his hands and good feet movement. He’s kind of lost that part of his game.”
“And if you’re only hanging on the front foot, good bowlers will not bowl half-volleys to you. And you’ve got to turn good balls into good shots. That’s the difference between Test cricket and First-Class cricket. He’s missing out on a lot of runs there.”
Steyn said.
As they go deeper into a difficult tour of England, India need Pujara to resolve his issues, be back to his absolute best and score a truckload of runs again if they are to come out triumphant in the five-match Test series coming up.
