WTC Final 2023: He has also started to play fast now – Mohammad Kaif on Cheteshwar Pujara

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has showered praise on Cheteshwar Pujara, stating the right-hander has also started to score at a better strike rate. Pujara is known to take his time in the initial phase of his innings and then changes gears after settling at the crease.

The right-hander has been in good form while playing for Sussex in County Championship Division Two as he has scored 545 runs in eight innings at an average of 68.12, including three centuries and he is the second-highest run-getter of the competition. Moreover, he scored his runs at an impressive strike rate of 64.80.

Meanwhile, Pujara has scored 7154 runs in 102 Test matches at an average of 43.89 and he has a strike rate of 44.31.

Mohammad Kaif said on Star Sports Game Plan, “Pujara has been made to hear so many times about his strike rate. The guy has played 100 Tests and people still say that he plays slow. He has also started to play fast now.”

Kaif added that Pujara relies on the cut short to score the lion’s share of his runs against the seamers.

“His scoring zone is to play the cut shot. He waits, leaves or defends the fuller deliveries, tires out the bowlers and then when the bowler makes a mistake, bowls a little short, he plays the cut shot and scores runs.”

Kaif hailed Pujara for playing his shots down the ground and not taking any risks of playing in the air.

“He plays the flick shots against Nathan Lyon, that is his strength. He plays Nathan Lyon the best by using his feet and reaching the pitch of the ball. The guy doesn’t play shots in the air.”

“He is a proper Test batter. He plays along the ground. You don’t have any chance to take a catch. If you don’t give a chance to take a catch, you will score a lot of runs in Test matches and that is Pujara’s specialty.”

There is no doubt that Pujara is going to hold the key for the Indian team while batting at number three in the WTC final against Australia, which will be played at the Oval from June 7.