I am not surprised, says Cheteshwar Pujara after scoring his first T20 century

Cheteshwar Pujara, on Thursday, did manage to surprise quite a lot of people by scoring a T20 century. While he continues to be one of the best Test batsmen in the world, the same cannot be said about him in T20s. In fact, he is the only frontline Indian international batsman without a regular IPL contract. However, the Saurashtra star left one and all mighty stunned as well as impressed with the way he batted in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy-opener in Indore.

The right-handed batsman scored his first T20 century against Railways at the Holkar Stadium. In doing so, he also became the first Saurashtra batsman to reach the three-figure mark in the T20s. It took Pujara only 61 deliveries to reach his ton as he smashed 14 boundaries and a six to help Saurashtra pile up 188 for 3 in the allotted 20 overs. He also became only the fourth Indian batsman to score a triple century in first-class cricket, 150-plus score in List A and a century in the shortest format of the game.

No surprises then that Pujara called his knock special. He, however, pointed out that unlike others he is not surprised by the T20 ton. Fresh off his monumental performance in Australia and the impressive outing in the Ranji Trophy, Pujara said he is batting really well at the moment.

“It is special. This was expected because I have done well whenever I have got the opportunity in white-ball cricket. I am not surprised by this century, but I am sure many people are. I knew this one would come at some stage in my career, and this is the right time.

“I have been really batting well. Good form in Test cricket can help you bat well in shorter formats. It helps you get into good positions, you pick the ball early so I am really happy,” he told ESPNcricinfo. However, Pujara’s century went in vain as Railway chased down 188 to win the game by five wickets.

Don’t want to change anyone’s perceptions

Buoyed by his latest knock, Cheteshwar Pujara is hopeful of doing well and grabbing the franchises’ attention.  However, he is well aware of the fact that he might not get picked but is ready for that situation too. The star batsman said even if he suffers another setback, he would continue to do things he is doing right now.

“I think twice for sure (gone unsold). I put my name in because somewhere down the line I am very confident about playing white ball, whether it is ODI or T20. If I am not picked, I am not picked. But with such results, if I can carry on like this, people will start noticing. Even franchises might take notice. If I am still not picked I will carry on doing things I am doing. I don’t want to change anyone’s perceptions,” he added.

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