We have achieved the day's target, says Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara departed just before the lunch break after making a promising start of 41 runs on the first day of the third Test in Indore. Despite falling short of a fifty, the Saurashtra batsman felt that his intent going into the match was right.

"What the message was given was to play with intent. When it comes to Test cricket we don't need to focus much on strike rate, but on positive intent. On such wickets, you can't keep on scoring runs and have a strike rate of more than 70 or 80. You have to bat as per the situations. You have to know what the team requires," Pujara told PTI.

Pujara also revealed that the team's execution of the day's plan was perfect as Virat Kohli remained not out with a brilliantly made 103 on Day 1.

"Century was not made, but good scores were made and the top order is getting runs. We were aware that one batsman from the top six must get 100 and we got it today. It's a landmark, but once we get 50 plus it's still a good score," he said.

Pujara also praised the captain's batting alongside Ajinkya Rahane as the pair put India in a strong position at 267/3 with a century partnership for the fourth wicket.

"Virat and Ajinkya batted really well. Virat played a very good innings and got the first century (from either side) in the series and Ajinkya too batted well. Their partnership was crucial and if the partnership carries on tomorrow it will be good for us," he said.

Pujara also expected the wicket to aid the spinners after the first day saw the Kiwi pacers getting a lot of bounce.

"We will try to bats as long as possible. The kind of position we are in, we will look to get 400 and if don't lose quick wickets tomorrow and continue like we are doing, we will keep batting. We hope for a big total and when our spinners bowl we expect some more help from the wicket," said Pujara.

"It was the first day, but still there was some turn, not much, but as the match progresses or from third day the turn will be more. Their left armer is creating rough and there will be more help for the off spinners. One or two balls from left arm spinner (Mitchell Santner) also spun and hopefully on days 2 and 3 there will be some help," he added.

India's No.3 felt that New Zealand are a good outfit despite the visitors trailing 2-0 in the Test series.

"They have played good cricket. They came with a plan. Their batting has disappointed and Kane Williamson could not play the second game. We have to give credit to our spinners and fast bowlers, for the way Shami and Bhuvneshwar bowled in the last game."