Difficult to pick the seam on the pink ball, says Cheteshwar Pujara

After helping India Blue reach a mammoth total of 707 with his brilliant 166 against India Green, on Day 2 in the Duleep Trophy, ace batsman Cheteshwar Pujara shared his experience playing with the pink ball, under the floodlights. Although, the Saurashtra cricketer hardly looked troubled throughout his marathon innings, he expressed his concern that the third session under the lights was the most difficult.

“This was my first game with the pink ball, enjoyed batting on this wicket, not much help for the fast bowlers. The most difficult session was the third one, under lights, when they took the second new ball, it moved about, it came on faster. So I think the third session is the most difficult one.Even when I was facing spinners, it was very difficult to pick the googly, under lights. A little difficult to pick the seam on the pink ball," Pujara told Star Sports.

Despite playing a sublime innings, Pujara has expressed his disappointment at getting out.

"Disappointed to get out on 166. People expect big from me. Getting a hundred was good though," said Pujara.

With the India-New Zealand series fast approaching, Pujara said that he was looking forward to go up against a quality side like the Kiwis.

"Always good to play domestic games before a big series. Looking forward to it considering we have 13-14 matches (in the forthcoming season). New Zealand have a good batting line-up, good spinners and their fast bowlers are bowling reverse swing as well,” he said.

Despite being a regular No.3 for most of his career, the 28-year old said that he is not concerned about the position where he is going to bat in the series.

"Sometimes you have to be prepared to bat at any number. If given a choice, and because I have scored so many runs at No 3, I know how to bat there, I know how to build an innings. Given a choice, I would like to bat at No 3. But I'm happy to bat wherever. I share my experience with the young cricketers, I know when I was making my India debut, the seniors helped me out," Pujara said.