IND vs BAN: The surface will get worse, happy with my 90, says Cheteshwar Pujara: Team India’s test mainstay, Cheteshwar Pujara reckons the surface will keep getting worse to bat on as the 1st test match between India and Bangladesh progresses. He termed it as a ‘difficult track’ to bat on and said he is quite happy with his knock of 90 runs.
Pujara scored 90 runs in 203 deliveries with the help of 11 boundaries against Bangladesh on day one of the test match at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram. He added a 149-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who is still unbeaten at 82 runs at the end of day one.
“The way I was batting, and looking at the pitch, it was not easy to bat on. I am really happy with the way I batted today,” said Cheteshwar Pujara in the press conference after IND vs BAN 1st test day one.
“Sometimes, we just pay attention to the three-figure mark. But the most important thing when you play this sport is to try and put the team in a position from where we have a chance to win the game.”
Team India mustered 278 runs in the loss of six wickets at the stumps on day one of the game. Cheteshwar Pujara remained the top scorer for India at the end of the day with 90 runs against his name. While Shreyas Iyer is still batting at a score of 82 runs.
Pujara further mentioned that he is not at all bothered with not getting a century. His last test ton came way back in 2019 against Australia when he scored 193 runs.
“I am really happy today and not bothered about not getting a three-figure mark. I have been batting well and if I carry on like this, it will come soon,” said Pujara.
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When enquired whether this venue will produce a result or not, Pujara replied positively.
“Looks like there will be a result and we needed runs on board. My partnership with Shreyas was important and also with Rishabh as there was a time when we had lost three wickets.”
Talking about the decisive total in this ground, Pujara reckons 350 would be a safe score to defend as spinners are getting plenty of movement. Moreover, odd deliveries from the pacers are also keeping low which further makes it hard to bat on.
“If we would have ended the day at 4 or even 5 wickets, things would have been better. I still feel if we get 350 in the first innings, it will be a good score on this track as there is turn (on offer) and we have three spinners.
“Even when fast bowlers are bowling, the odd one is staying low. It will keep getting worse as time progresses,” Pujara said providing his take on the track.
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