Cheteshwar Pujara made an unbeaten 61-ball 100 for Saurashtra in the Group C encounter of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 against Railways at Holkar Stadium, Indore. Pujara has been in red-hot form and was also the star of India’s first Test series win in Australia. He even shone through with the bat in Ranji trophy.
Pujara is considered to be a Test specialist, so for many people, his T20 hundred came as a surprise. But, it wasn’t the case with the Saurashtra player, who could see it coming.
Pujara stated, “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. Although it came in a defeat, but it was a close game where Railways needed 12 off the last over and they pulled it off.”
He also reflected on getting unsold in IPL auctions. He said, “I think twice for sure (after being 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.”