Our bowling unit is very strong this time, reckons Cheteshwar Pujara

Indian number three batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently announced that he’ll be a father soon, is confident of a good show in South Africa. Arguably one of the best batsmen in the world when it comes to the Tests, Pujara’s contribution will hold the key for the Indians. Talking to the press at the Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, he said that their bowling unit is incredibly strong this time.

India has a dismal record playing in South Africa. The statistics back the hosts’ currently, but this team under Virat Kohli is very different. They’ve attained astronomical heights in recent times, but many belittle their dominance saying they can’t replicate the same outside India. No one has a clue as to how the series will turn out, but the bowling department might make a difference this time.

“As a unit, our fast bowling is much better this time. We have all the fast bowlers and they are quick so I think we have that advantage this time. Overall our bowling unit is very strong this time,” said the 29-year-old.

Preparation has been fantastic thus far

South African pitches have always troubled the Indian batters, who don’t enjoy bouncers very much. But there are a lot of Indian players right now who love the short balls, like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. We never know what the pitch will offer, but Pujara seemed confident and said it doesn’t matter much. He sounded very optimistic and said they had wonderful net sessions thus far.

“Preparation has been fantastic so far. Whatever net session we have had we are confident. We had three net sessions so far. We guys are very confident. Before we came here, when were playing Sri Lanka series, we spoke about how we want to go about this series. Obviously we are here to win the series. We are very confident and we had our plans,” Pujara added.

The demons from the past teach quite a lesson and Pujara is one person who always learns from his mistakes. Talking about his approach on bouncy tracks, he said it’s imperative to leave the ball well.

“It is always important to leave the ball well when you play overseas. Once you move out of India, Asia, there is enough bounce on the pitch and that is the reason one should be able to leave the ball,” he explained. Talking about Dale Steyn‘s inclusion in the squad, he said their side doesn’t really care on who’s playing and who isn’t.