Cheteshwar Pujara is known for his patient and resilient batting style, unlike the more aggressive modern-day players. His ability to wear down bowlers with his steadfast approach has been key to his success in Test cricket over the past decade.
Bangladesh’s Test opener Zakir Hasan praised Pujara’s technique, acknowledging that he himself cannot replicate it. Hasan, a promising talent from Bangladesh, has already made an impact in Test cricket with a notable century scored against India during his debut match in Chattogram in 2022. He is anticipated to participate in the upcoming two-Test series between India and Bangladesh in September 2024.
Zakir Hasan hails Cheteshwar Pujara for his dogged batting approach in Tests
While speaking to Cricbuzz, Zakir Hasan claimed that Pujara has a unique ability to tire down the bowlers. He also added that Bangladesh’s batters can adapt to Pujara’s methods but it depends upon the requirements of the team
“Obviously, it can be there. But to me that depends team-wise and the strength of your team, what is your team’s strategy overall, What I saw, amongst the India team those who play Tests, their role is completely different. Pujara is the only one who has that ability, and the whole team trusts his ability that he will play for a long time and tire the bowlers,” Zakir stated.
The 26-year-old also mentioned that he is not used to playing like Pujara but can bide his time if he wants to play a long innings.
“But if you look at our team, we can also adapt to that way too. But if you ask about me, all I can say is that I am not used to playing like Pujara but ultimately if you see me playing a big innings then I need some time so I try to take as much time as I need to build my innings,” the opener added.
Zakir Hasan’s record in Test cricket
Zakir Hasan has participated in 7 Test matches for Bangladesh, accumulating 455 runs at an average of 32.50. His record includes one century and four half-centuries. Hasan made a notable debut with a patient 100 off 224 balls in the second innings against a formidable Indian bowling attack featuring Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Cheteshwar Pujara also played in that Test, delivering impressive performances with scores of 90 and an unbeaten 102 in both innings. His standout contributions played a key role in India’s eventual victory.
With a distinguished Test career of over 100 matches, Pujara has amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 39 fifties. The 36-year-old was instrumental in India’s historic Test series win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19, finishing as the top run-scorer among both teams.
