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Rediff.com  » Cricket » Why Pujara is learning the tricks of sledging

Why Pujara is learning the tricks of sledging

Source: PTI
August 08, 2017 20:35 IST
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'If you need to sledge a particular batsman, you need to sledge. It helps the bowlers.'

Cheteshwar Pujara

IMAGE: Cheteshwar Pujara celebrates his double century against Australia. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Cheteshwar Pujara has never been known for sledging opposition batsmen but he is not averse to the idea if it helps the bowler.

"I do make a lot of noise while playing FIFA (Playstation game). And these days you see I am making a lot of noise on the field. I am learning the tricks of sledging. If you need to sledge a particular batsman, you need to sledge. It helps the bowlers," Pujara said while interactive session with Ajinkya Rahane for bcci.tv.

Talking to each other post their 217-run stand, which helped India win the second Test in Colombo and also seal the three-match series 2-1, the pillars of India's batting in the longest format gave an insight into their mindset.

People perceive Rahane as a reserved individual, which he feels he is not.

"I am not as reserved as people think. I like to talk, in fact I do talk a lot with my wife," quipped Rahane during the chat with his team-mates.

While they even sledge when the need arises, both Rahane and Pujara go about their business in a calm and composed manner. That nature is something that helps bring out their best on the field.

"I have been a quiet person since since childhood, maybe it is because of my family background. But staying calm helps a lot on the field, especially in Tests.

"However, I am not as reserved as I used to be," said Rahane before pointing towards Pujara.

Their conversation then headed towards the emphatic win in the second Test with both playing a key role in taking India past 600 in the first innings at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

"It was not easy with the ball turning around. I wanted to take my time initially. I was visualising (in the dressing room) how to play against the spinners. I wanted to unsettle them," said Rahane.

Rahane also threw light on becoming an improved slip fielder in recent years.

"I remember dropping a lot of catches in my early days. It hurt me and I started working on that aspect. Last time we came to Sri Lanka, I decided take 100 catches in every session and I am still working on my catching," he said.

The chat ended with Pujara talking about his penchant for the big hundreds.

"I remember scoring a 300 in my first U-14 match. It all started from there. I always felt if you want to win four-day games, you need to score big runs to win it for your team. A 100 is not enough," Pujara signed off.

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