India vs Australia | Sachin Tendulkar showers praise on Indian bowlers and Cheteshwar Pujara

Former Indian cricketer and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lavished praise on the Indian team for their recent exploits away from home. The Master Blaster singled out the Indian pace attack of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami along with Cheteshwar Pujara for their standout performances against Tim Paine & Co.

"It's difficult to pick one moment, but Pujara has been really outstanding. There were a number of statements on him which ideally weren't in his favour and kind of undermine his contribution. I don't want to undermine our bowlers' contribution, though. The bowlers have done extremely well. I think somewhere Pujara has been instrumental in laying that solid foundation on which a number of guys who got runs. If I've to pinpoint that one guy, then Pujara stands out along with the fast bowlers," Sachin said at a promotional event on Wednesday, reported TOI. 

Pujara was the highest run-getter in the recently-concluded series as he recorded a massive total of 521 runs which included three centuries averaging more than 70. The Saurashtra batsman was also adjudged as Man of the Series and the Man of the Match for the SCG Test. 

Meanwhile, the Indian pace attack impressed once more just like they did earlier in the tours of South Africa and England last year. In fact, the competition within the pace department has intensified to such an extent that even Bhuvaneshwar Kumar could not get a single game while Umesh Yadav was given just one chance in the second Test at Perth.

"More awareness about your diet, training methods. Accessibility to information. These factors have contributed a lot. Not to forget the infrastructure, which is extremely good. Of course, one should all be happy, but never satisfied. I hope we continue to provide better and better facilities to the players. All these things haven't happened overnight. It's a process which has taken some time," Tendulkar explained. 

"We've got quality fast bowlers. At the same time, the guys (pacers) are very talented. The spinners too have chipped in at various points. What you also want is for your fast bowlers to bowl some hostile spells in patches. And that has happened frequently. It wasn't just about the new ball, but also to do with the old one too. And how consistently one can bowl 140-plus. I can comfortably say that we've a competitive attack for any part of the world, on any surface."