Cheteshwar Pujara has surprised us time and again playing against West Indies in the first Test. The Rajkot weather, has been draining for most Indian batsmen who are just back from an England tour. Surprisingly, Pujara who is known for his defensive play took on the Windies bowler and scored at an impressive strike rate, much higher than what we expect him to bat at.
But Pujara came up with something unique to beat the soaring temperatures of Rajkot. Instead of asking for drinks at short intervals, he kept a small water bottle handy. Drink breaks waste time and Pujara wanted to make the most of the first session. Hence, the water bottle.
Here’s the video posted by Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) that is going viral:
Beating Rajkot’s heat, Pujara’s way #INDvWI @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/v86gceoEw2
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 4, 2018
While few applauded Pujara’s time-saving tactics, others tried to find humour in his attempt to stay hydrated:
Well done Pujara! Didn’t see that coming, carrying a bottle of water in his pocket while batting. Saving time. Well done!#OverRates
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 4, 2018
Pujara, the trendsetter
I think Pujara has set a trend here by batting with a water bottle in his pocket.#IndvWI
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) October 4, 2018
This is by far the funniest of the lot
Prithvi Shaw – Why do you keep a water bottle in your pocket?
Pujara – Wo Ravi Shastri kabhi bhi maang leta hai mix karne ke liye.#INDvWI
— SAGAR (@sagarcasm) October 4, 2018
Take your time
That’s the first 50 for Pujara with a water bottle in his pocket – Sanjay Manjrekar pic.twitter.com/3O58dGSEZD
— Alagappan V (@IndianMourinho) October 4, 2018
Is it?
I told you remaining non playing players will go home Hence Pujara brought water for himself @_being_dutta @parinsangoi007 pic.twitter.com/MJDrRIM541
— Tushar Rathi (@gtusharrr) October 4, 2018
Pujara can do anything
As if batting with a helmet, gloves, pads, thigh-pads, abdomen guard etc isn’t tough enough, Pujara has brought with him a water bottle in his pocket to the crease.
The lunch box will still remain in the pavillion though. For now.#INDvWI
— Suneer (@suneerchowdhary) October 4, 2018
Yes, it is
This is how Cheteshwar Pujara is saving time by carrying a water bottle in his pocket. #INDvWI #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/HVszcILz0v
— Sportzwiki (@sportzwiki) October 4, 2018
Handkerchief is so old school
Some keep a handkerchief in the pocket for luck, for Che Pujara it’s a water bottlehttps://t.co/0lCwVUlkz5
— Ujwal Kr Singh (@UjwalKS) October 4, 2018
Pujara’s checklist
Che Pujara
Bat.. Check
Gloves.. Check
Helmet.. Check
Guards.. Check
Water Bottle… Check #INDvWI— Chandler Bing (@SarcasmChamp) October 4, 2018
At lunch break, the 30-year-old had scored 56 runs from 74 deliveries including 9 boundaries at a strike rate of 75.68. The local boy who has a career strike rate of 46.90 in Tests played exceptionally well in the home conditions.
Not long ago, Pujara was criticised for his strike rate. When India toured West Indies in 2016, he was even blamed for a draw match by batting at a low strike rate. The criticism around his strike rate continued but he silenced them by scoring a hundred on England tour.
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His strike rate is also improving gradually. When the situation demands, he is even willing to take charge and play a few attacking shots like he did in England batting with the tail. Maybe we will witness Cheteshwar Pujara 2.0 in the upcoming innings.
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