On Sunday, August 24, Cheteshwar Pujara declared his retirement from all cricket-related activities. In red-ball cricket, the renowned player would be regarded as one of the most grizzled hitters. During his Test career, he participated in a few marathon innings and contributed to India’s several victories.
Earlier this year, India did not make it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. Last year’s 0–3 series loss to New Zealand made it extremely tough for the Indian team to qualify for the summit match. For the first time in twelve years, they suffered a home Test series defeat.
The batters had a hard time on the spin-friendly tracks. Spinners took 81 of the 108 wickets that were lost during the series. Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel caused havoc, taking 13 and 15 wickets in one match and three matches, respectively.
According to Pujara, India used rank-turners to gain as many WTC points as possible from domestic Test matches. But according to the cricket player-turned-expert, the plan backfired on them. In order to ensure a good bat-ball contest, he pushed India to play on athletic fields.
“I believed it significantly affected both Indian batting and Test cricket in general. Teams desired to win every game in the World Test Championship, which is why those kind of tracks were set up. However, in an interview with India Today, Cheteshwar Pujara stated, “I don’t think that was ideal for Test cricket.”
“I’m confident that the management and other parties involved have come to the realisation that a batter needs a great deal of luck to get runs when such surfaces are prepared. You’re obliged to play fearlessly and try to score quick 40s, 50s, or 60s—whatever you can manage—because your skills are frequently taken away from you,” Cheteshwar Pujara said.
The majority of teams are using better fields, and I hope India would follow suit: Cheteshwar Pujara
Pujara stated that games shouldn’t be concluded in four days, even though he doesn’t mind India playing on fields that are conducive to spin.
“I believe that things are starting to change. Better pitches are being used by most teams, and I hope India will follow suit. The ball should turn, I’m not suggesting, but games shouldn’t end in three or three-and-a-half days. Games should ideally continue into the fourth or fifth day on quality fields, Pujara continued.
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