JOIN USConsidered a Test batsman of impeccable technique, Cheteshwar Pujara says he has made some adjustments in his game to adapt to the fast-paced Twenty20 format in the ongoing Pepsi IPL where he shares the dressing room with destructive batsmen like Chris Gayle.
"I think ultimately the basic technique has to be there even when you want to accelerate. But I think it is about shifting gears at the right moment... My basic technique is the same, and it is just about making little adjustments in the game," the Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman, who is back from injury, said.
Pujara said having Gayle in the line-up also takes some pressure off him."It takes away some of the pressure and so I can play my natural game. So, I can take more time, than what is expected in Twenty20, to settle down and then start playing my shots," he said.
Pujara returned to the field last night against Kings XI Punjab, who were guided to a win by the individual brilliance of David Miller, who struck a 38-ball 101 in a chase of 190.
"We were in the game till the 12th over and after that he started accelerating and then onwards it was his game," he said praising Miller.
Asked how costly was the dropped catch of Miller by skipper Virat Kohli, he said, "Obviously, it was very costly, but Virat is one of team's best fielder, so it happens at times. If he had taken the catch things could have been different but things happen in this game."
"We as a team are playing good cricket, but you also have to give credit to the opposition when they play better than you," he said. @Body:
Asked about his return from an injury and if he found the going any difficult last night, Pujara said, "I think initially the ball was doing a bit, so it was little difficult for me as I was coming back after an injury."
"I didn't play cricket for a month, so it was little difficult initially, but once I got my eye in, I could play my shots easily. It was a good wicket to bat on.
"Their plan was to bowl short of good length, obviously I was missing the ball initially, but later on I was successful to score runs in those kind of balls," he added.
Before being bowled out by medium pacer Manpreet Gony, Pujara, who opened the innings with Chris Gayle, hit 51 off 48 balls which included eight boundaries.
"I think I have gained lot of confidence, I was timing the ball much better after couple of overs. I have gained lot of confidence, my fitness is perfect, I don't have any issues at the moment.
"I have worked hard at the NCA and things are paying off now and I just need to continue the way I am batting."