Rahul Dravid believes there will always be place for a player like Pujara

India’s legendary batsman and current National Cricket Academy (NCA) head Rahul Dravid believes that defensive batsmen like Cheteshwar Pujara will always have a place in a Test team. He heaped praise on India’s number three batsman and his batting skills. The 47-year old also spoke about the difference in batting between Test cricket and T20 cricket while speaking with Sanjay Manjrekar on ESPNCricinfo‘s videocast.

Highlighting Pujara’s excellence against spin

Pujara, who hails from Saurashtra, has been compared to Dravid very often because of their similar batting style and the same batting position in Test cricket. Speaking about Pujara’s penchant for staying strong at the crease for a long time, Dravid opined,

“Coming from a place like Saurashtra it was drilled into his head early on that he needed to do much more than other players. So he had to make every inning count and that’s the way he has built his batting.”

Dravid praised Pujara’s ability against spin bowlers and the ease with which he rotated the strike.

“He has got a range of shots and he knows that. He is exceptional against spin, he rotates strikes well. Pujara has worked out his game phenomenally well. His concentration is excellent. There will always be a place for a person like Pujara because his technique will always contribute to the winning of a game,” India’s great added.

Test cricket batting vs T20 cricket batting

When asked if the pressure on a batsman is higher in the shorter format than the red-ball game, Dravid surmised that the stress levels or pressure of a particular moment is higher in the T20 format but on the whole, the pressure is a lot higher in Test cricket since the players are involved for five days.

Comparing the skill sets required in both the contrasting formats, Dravid acknowledged that they have different demands and command respect for the same,

“To hit sixes from ball one, requires practice and skill,” he said.  “The only difference between T20 cricket and Test cricket is that in T20 format you can get away with a lot more. But if you have glaring weaknesses, you cannot survive in Test cricket. In T20 format you have a specific role, and if you can perform well in that role, you can be successful,” India’s 2nd highest run-getter in Test cricket added.

Great to see Virat backing Test cricket

Dravid also spoke about the Indian captain.

“One of the great things for India is that Virat Kohli values Test cricket. He is always talking about it. I think he understands that the real respect for him as a cricketer will come through his success in Test cricket and I think that’s a great role model for our young cricketers,” said India’s former U-19 coach.