Is Cheteshwar Pujara’s Grit Truly Valued by Indian Cricket?
In a recent discussion, renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle and Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik delved into an important question: Is Cheteshwar Pujara’s resilience and contribution underrated in Indian cricket? Known as the rock of India’s batting lineup in Test cricket, Pujara’s grit and determination often go unnoticed in an era dominated by flashy stroke play and quick scoring.
Harsha Bhogle’s Take:
Harsha Bhogle highlighted how Pujara has been instrumental in some of India’s greatest Test victories, especially overseas. He pointed to Pujara’s heroic performances in Australia during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his ability to absorb pressure and tire out bowlers played a key role in India’s historic series win. Bhogle suggested that Pujara’s old-school style of batting, which focuses on patience and endurance, is sometimes undervalued in the modern game that celebrates big hitters and aggressive run-scoring.
“Pujara’s contribution goes beyond numbers. He plays the kind of innings that don’t always get celebrated but are absolutely crucial in building a foundation for the team,” Bhogle said during the discussion.
Dinesh Karthik’s Perspective:
Dinesh Karthik echoed similar sentiments but also acknowledged that Pujara’s style might not always align with the current demands of modern cricket. While his defensive approach has been a lifesaver in tough situations, Karthik noted that it occasionally comes under scrutiny for slowing down the pace of a game.
“Pujara’s grit is unmatched, and his ability to bat for hours under pressure is something young cricketers should learn from. However, in a time where strike rates and flashy cricket dominate headlines, it’s easy for someone like Pujara to be overlooked,” Karthik explained.
Why Pujara Deserves More Recognition:
- Test Specialist: Pujara’s role as a Test cricket specialist often isolates him from the limelight enjoyed by players who excel in all formats of the game.
- Overseas Contributions: Many of Pujara’s finest innings have come in challenging overseas conditions, such as Australia, England, and South Africa, where his batting has been critical to India’s success.
- Unshakeable Focus: Pujara’s ability to withstand relentless bowling attacks and play long innings is a rare quality in today’s cricketing landscape.
The Bigger Picture:
As India transitions into a new era of cricket, Bhogle and Karthik emphasized the importance of celebrating players like Pujara, who embody the essence of Test cricket. His contributions may not always make headlines, but they remain invaluable to Indian cricket’s success, especially in the longest format of the game.
The debate over whether Pujara’s grit is underrated sheds light on the larger conversation about how the game’s evolving dynamics impact the way players are perceived and celebrated. For now, Pujara remains the silent warrior, quietly doing his job for the team, one ball at a time.
For the latest sports news, event updates, and in-depth analysis, visit https://cricinfo.cc/ and stay updated on all the action from around the world!
