County cricket is the only way to be successful in Tests overseas, says Cheteshwar Pujara

County cricket is the only way to be successful in Tests overseas, says Cheteshwar Pujara

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Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted the significance of County cricket in improving the performance of the players for Tests overseas. Further, he supported the Indian cricketers who are about to join England’s domestic championship as it will help them grow as cricketers.

Cheteshwar Pujara considers playing county cricket to be one of the only ways to be successful in Tests overseas as Team India will tour England in 2018. For him, it had proved to be beneficial and enhanced his game. Pujara joined Nottinghamshire ahead of the County Championship and started this trend of playing county.

Ravichandran Ashwin also joined Worcestershire for the last leg of the championship, recently after being rejected for Sri Lanka matches. 

As per the reports, Jadeja might also join soon and skipper Virat Kohli wants to play in England before touring the country as well.

Pujara recalled his county stint, along with speaking about various aspects of his cricket. 

“Playing county cricket is about being in that environment and batting on those wickets which seam and have a bit of bounce. It’s all about getting the experience and nothing related to your technique. Once you reach a certain point (in your career), your technique is very much decided and all you need to do is fine-tune it,” he said in an interview with Times of India.

The 29-year-old is content with the fact that Ashwin and other cricketers are about to join England’s domestic championship, as it is going to benefit them and enhance their growth as cricketers. 

“If you start playing county cricket, you start having an idea about how to perform in those conditions. I believe county cricket helps you grow as a cricketer. I feel if you want to play Test cricket and aim to do well in different venues, county cricket is the way to go,” said the batsman.

“Not just looking at the 2019 World Cup, but to develop as a cricketer, it is important to have county experience. Whether it is ODI or Tests, whenever there is an opportunity, cricketers should certainly play county matches,” said Pujara, when asked about how to proceed, keeping in mind the next World Cup.

Talking about the historic triumph in Sri Lanka, Pujara credited the team, despite doing well himself, having scored 309 in 4 innings in the series. 

“If you look at our batting, each one has stood up and made themselves count. Also, this Indian team’s bench strength is quite strong. Whoever has come into the XI has gone on to make a contribution. Players such as Kuldeep Yadav, Jayant Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Karun Nair and even Abhinav Mukund have all performed when given opportunities. Even our fast bowlers Umesh and Shami have been bowling well,” Pujara affirmed.

Commending their new coach Ravi Shastri, he said that he is well aware of all the players. 

“Ravi Bhai is someone who gives players enough freedom and at the same time knows what is needed for the players to be in the best possible shape ahead of any game. He makes players feel welcome and players understand their roles in the side,” India’s Test No.3 concluded.

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