Cheteshwar Pujara to do well in all formats

The recent India ‘ A’ tour of England where he scored heavily, was a big turning point in the career of Cheteshwar Pujara, said Wasim Jaffer, captain of Indian Oil, with whom the Rajkotborn batsman is employed.

“ The recent tour of England, where he was in top form, was a big turning point in his career.

His performances against the West Indies ‘A’ and England ‘A’ teams has been really noticed (by the selectors),” Jaffer said.

Pujara, who led India ‘A’, accumulated 776 at 110.85 in just 10 matches, with three centuries and three half- centuries, in the British Isles.

“ His game is suited to Test cricket. I’m sure he will get to learn a lot by being with the likes of Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendukar and VVS Laxman in the dressing room. Apart from cricket, I don’t think he’s into anything else,” said Jaffer, who also captains Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.

Jaffer, who has been following the Saurashtra batsman’s progress closely, said he has earned his place. “ In my opinion, he deserved the place and is a very hard worker. After a lot of struggle, he has got a chance. He has been scoring consistently for his state, West Zone and India ‘A’. Somehow, he never got the credit for that. But whatever was being spoken about him he proved people wrong,” he said.

Jaffer pointed out that Pujara is good in the limited- overs format too. “ He has been hopeful for the last two- three seasons. And it’s not as if he can bat only in the longer format of the game. People unnecessary tend to put a stamp on players; but Pujara also plays well in the limited- overs format,” he averred.

“ In the final of BCCI Corporate Trophy (on September 9), he played quite an important knock of 83 ( the highest of the match) to help Indian Oil beat India Cements in the final. He has also played in the Indian Premier League (for Kolkata Knight Riders),” he said. “ He comes from a humble background and, therefore, he’s a hard worker. I feel very happy that his hard work has borne fruit today. I hope he performs well at the international level.”