Captaining India 'A' having Sehwag, Gambhir and Zaheer Khan will make my task easier: Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara, who was appointed captain of the India 'A' team that will take on West Indies 'A' later this month, says having Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Zaheer Khan in his team will make his task easier.  According to a report in The Indian Express, Pujara said that  having Viru bhai, Gauti bhai and Zak bhai makes this a very strong India 'A' side


“During our last trip to South Africa, we had a few experienced players but having Viru bhai, Gauti bhai and Zak bhai makes this a very strong India 'A' side. Their presence will make my work easier in fact. I will be able to rely on their inputs and experience in tough situations. Also, having them in the side will help me learn more. There are occasions when I face a tough situation during a day's play. In such situations, I generally consult my teammates and take their advice. So having such senior players with vast experience will be of great help to me,” said Pujara.


Pujara said that he has learned a lot from these seniors. “I don't remember the instances but since I have played most of my games alongside them, they've played a crucial role in shaping my career. And it's not just me. When Zak bhai was in the Indian team, he used to guide each bowler. He knows how to bowl on different types of pitches. On flat tracks, he will tell the boys how to reverse swing the ball and which should be the areas to focus on. I'm looking forward to learning from these guys,” said Pujara.


According to a report in Hindustan Times, Kiran More, the former chief selector, reckoned that Pujara is being positioned as a future Test captain. "Sure, he doesn't have much to prove against West Indies 'A' – that too at home. But I think it's mainly because Pujara is captaincy material. I have known him for a long time and know the temperament he possesses. Both BCCI and selectors are looking at him as a future captain," More told HT.


"Pujara is the new Rahul Dravid of Indian cricket. And I think the selectors know his value too."


Pujara, unlikely to play the Ranji Trophy, is not short of match practice for November's two-Test home series against West Indies. He even scored a century on the recent 'A' tour to South Africa.

"The thing is that any cricket is good to get into shape. So Pujara must be approaching this series like that. It will only benefit him to spend more time in the middle. And knowing him, he won't mind playing as much cricket a possible," said the former stumper.

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