The body blows Cheteshwar Pujara took on the final day of the final Test against Australia underlined his tenacity. The masterful 56 at the Gabba played an equally crucial part in India’s 2-1 triumph.
But is he technically flawless? Not quite. Karsan Ghavri, at least, feels so.
“A technically complete player shouldn’t get hit so many times on the body while dealing with short-pitched stuff,” Ghavri pointed out, adding that he has noticed Pujara taking his eyes off the ball sometimes when tackling the rising delivery.
“Maybe he (Pujara) is lacking a bit in technique. If his technique was right, he would have had lesser number of blows on his body.
“He got hit on the helmet and back of his helmet, shoulders, forearm and chest, which only reflects that technically, he may not be 100 per cent. His temperament is such that he could still stand there, which also portrays his courage,” Ghavri told The Telegraph on Sunday during his brief stay in the city.
Pujara was part of the Saurashtra squad that won the Ranji Trophy crown during Ghavri’s tenure as their coach last season.
The former India left-arm medium pacer believes Pujara, who will be 33 on Monday, could consult someone like Sunil Gavaskar to try and sort this issue out. “Personally, I feel Pujara should go and talk to a person like Sunil Gavaskar.
“He leaves the ball outside off stump well, but when the rising delivery comes towards his throat and face, I’ve noticed sometimes he takes his eyes off (the ball).
“You get hit when you take your eyes off. If you don’t take your eyes off and leave on merit, nothing will happen to you. That’s why I feel he should quietly go and talk to Gavaskar about sorting this matter out and also how to deal with those deliveries at the nets,” Ghavri said.
He, however, acknowledged Pujara’s temperament as the No.3 batsman’s “biggest advantage.”
“In Tests, it doesn’t matter if he faces 100 deliveries and scores only 15 or 20 runs. Sometimes it helps as one end remains guarded, thanks to him.
“His presence in the Indian team is a very, very important factor for its success in Test cricket,” Ghavri emphasised.
