Kapil Dev: Too early to call Pujara replacement of Dravid ? Cricket News Update
Former Indian skipper Kapil Dev on Friday lavished praise on double centurion Cheteshwar Pujara, however he cautioned the several pundits who have started comparing the rookie No. 3 batsman to veteran Rahul Dravid, saying the former does not need the pressure of having to live up to The Wall?s reputation.
The 24-year-old Pujara, playing only his sixth Test, smashed a magnificent 206 not out to put India in the driver?s seat against England in the ongoing first Test of the four-match series, underway in Ahmedabad since Thursday, November 15. What impressed the pundits and fans the most was Pujara?s calmness and his great technique on course to his maiden Test double ton.
Pujara?s calm approach to the game, against almost every English bowler, prompted all and sundry to start comparing him to veteran No. 3 Rahul Dravid, who retired from international cricket in March this year, leaving a void in India?s top-order.
However, Kapil said that Pujara is just starting out, having played in only five Tests, while The Wall gave 15 years to the game to earn the reputation, and any such comparison would only put the emerging No. 3 batsman under immense pressure.
"He has just started. He has shown great temperament but you cannot compare him with Rahul so early. Let him make his own position in the team and name for himself. It is unfair to put him under pressure and say he is the replacement of so and so," Kapil Dev, the 1983 World Cup winning captain, said on the sidelines of a promotional event on Friday. "Rahul gave 15 years to cricket and then became what he is," he added.
Meanwhile Pujara, who stayed at the crease for almost eight hours, hitting 21 boundaries as well in his unbeaten 206-run knock, said that he was comfortable against the English attack, and that even Graeme Swann?s spin failed to intimidate him.
"I was comfortable facing all the bowlers. Initially my concern was Graeme Swann because I hadn't faced him before. But after I faced a couple of overs against him, I felt that I could manage."
India after declaring their first innings on 521 for 8, forced England to follow on as the tourists folded for 191 ? wicketkeeper batsman Matt Prior top scoring with 48. The Poms were 56 without loss at the end of 22nd over in their second innings.
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