'That is how he developed his concentration and focus.'
Ishan Kishan continued his impressive form in crucial matches by scoring his maiden first-class double century, a blistering 250 off 301 balls, for East Zone against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final before retiring hurt due to cramps.
It is not easy to score two consecutive Test centuries unless one knows how to play the good ball on its merit and punish the bad ball to full effect.
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded left-arm spinner Manav Suthar's impressive Test debut, where he took seven wickets, attributing his success to the BCCI's robust talent identification system. Kotak also commented on Sai Sudharsan's performance but remained non-committal on a settled batting line-up.
'We are No 1 in the world, we played like the No 1 team in the world.' 'It is not just about being No 1 for the season. Whatever matches we play in the future we want to maintain that.'
The Lord's holds a special place of pride for Pujara who became the first Indian to achieve a first-class double hundred at Lord's, when he scored a double century for Sussex against Middlesex in 2022.
The 317th man to play for India in Test cricket, Sudharsan was handed his Test cap by former India No 3 bat, Cheteshwar Pujara.
'Pujara, it was always reassuring to see you walk out at No.3. You brought calm, courage, and a deep love for Test cricket every time you played.'
Batting maestro Virat Kohli on Tuesday posted a heartfelt note to pay tributes to former teammate Cheteshwar Pujara, who announced retirement from international cricket the other day.
Making his Test debut against Australia in 2010, Cheteshwar Pujara went on to represent India in 103 Tests, amassing 7195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries.
While modern greats like Shubman Gill and Joe Root shy away from batting at No. 3, Nasser Hussain says Cheteshwar Pujara embraced the challenge and carried forward Rahul Dravid's legacy with distinction.
After a successful tour of England and Scotland, Saurashtra's young batsman Cheteshwar Pujara speaks exclusively to Rediff.com
Cheteshwar Pujara urges Tilak Varma to be more aggressive against spin despite his century, as Mumbai Indians bounce back with a big win over Gujarat Titans.
Every innings he played will be remembered along with every drop of sweat he shed to display the purity of technique with resilience, recalls veteran cricket correspondent K R Nayar.
Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement from Indian cricket on Sunday prompted an outpouring of tributes, none more heartfelt than Jaydev Unadkat's.
In India's previpus tours of England, Rahane and Pujara have amassed 864 and 870 runs in 16 Test matches, respectively.
KL Rahul's patient half-century in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka highlights his evolving role as a consistent and strategic anchor for the Indian team. Despite a slower strike rate, his ability to stonewall spinners and build partnerships has been crucial, earning praise from coaches and teammates. This performance underscores his growing importance, especially after the departure of senior batters, as he aims to make a significant impact in the current Test series.
In the era of uber-stylish batters, Pujara was that glue that held the Indian batting together for a decade between 2013-14 till 2023 over a period of 100 plus Test matches.
India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate conceded that too many players have batted at number three in Test matches after Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement and it was time that either Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal is given a long rope at the key batting position.
Pujara recalled the struggles made by his parents to support his career.
If I get an opportunity to represent the country, that will be the best thing: Pujara
'The entire team started working on the fitness, and at the same time, Virat paid a lot of attention to the Test format, and he wanted the team to be one of the best in the world.'
Ravichandran Ashwin paid a heartwarming tribute to batter Cheteshwar Pujara following his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, calling his batting a "symphony".
Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane believes India's recent Test struggles stem from the departure of senior players, emphasising the need for a core of seven to eight experienced cricketers in the longer format.
'I don't see a point in Dhoni batting at Number 8 or 9, because he has the potential to turn games around single-handedly, something no other batter in the CSK team can do.'
'The Diary of a Cricketer's Wife' penned by Puja Pujara, capturing the journey of her husband Cheteshwar, found a hallowed introduction place at the Lord's Cricket Ground library and the author termed the book as "something for everyone."
Cheteshwar Pujara refuses to believe India's recent poor record at home is because of transition.
Ajinkya Rahane will always be remembered as the man who let his bat -- and his character -- do the talking, recalls K R Nayar.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has identified Chennai Super Kings' bowling as their primary concern, suggesting they need to consistently score high to compensate. He also praised Ayush Mhatre's potential and Rohit Sharma's improved fitness.
Kuldeep Yadav will look towards the Sri Lanka series as his big opportunity to finally seal his place as India's No 1 spinner in Tests.
K L Rahul's indifferent form could throw Cheteshwar Pujara a lifeline for the tour of Australia, where he enjoys a great record.
'All I remember is that when I used to go to the ground, when I was 14-years-old, and when I came back in the evening, the colour of my face would be completely different.'
Marnus Labuschagne arrived at the crease in Perth with a plan: channel his inner Cheteshwar Pujara.
Cheteshwar Pujara identifies reason behind Yashasvi Jaiswal's struggle, offers solution ahead of Boxing Day Test
India batter Cheteshwar Pujara's unbeaten 104 helped Sussex extend their first innings lead to 111 runs in their County Championship Division Two match against Derbyshire on Saturday.
Cheteshwar Pujara understands more than anyone else that time was right for him to bid adieu without any regrets.
Cheteshwar Pujara will become the 13th Indian to play 100 or more Tests.
'While his cricketing achievements are obvious, people should remember Ajinkya Rahane, the person. Because he has inspired youngsters in the dressing room by his powerful humane gestures.'
While Virat Kohli and K L Rahul opted for Dubai to ring in the New Year, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mohammed Shami and Smriti Mandhana opted for the mountains.
'Quaint cosy cafes, walks on beautiful streets and great company in Paris.'