India’s Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara has heaped praise on the team’s bowling unit. Pujara stated that the bowling battery was remarkable in Australia, especially the young bowlers. Ravichandran Ashwin scalped 12 wickets in three Test matches and troubled Steve Smith in the first two Test matches.
Apart from experienced Ashwin, the young guns took giant strides on the Australia tour. As the Indian team was troubled by injury woes throughout the tour, they backed their young players.
The youngsters were able to grab their opportunities with both hands in the big series against the Aussies. Mohammed Siraj grew in confidence as he scalped 13 wickets in three Test matches and finished as the leading wicket-taker for the Indian team.
Furthermore, Shardul Thakur scalped seven wickets in the historic Gabba Test match and also scored 67 runs in the first innings. Washington Sundar was also able to grab his chance whereas T Natarajan also made an impressive Test debut at Brisbane.
Moreover, Shubman Gill scored 259 runs in three Test matches, including an imperative knock of 91 runs in the memorable Test match at Brisbane. Rishabh Pant scored a total of 274 runs in the series and scored a match-winning knock of 89 runs in the final Test. Ajinkya Rahane was able to lead from the front and got the best out of the players on the Australia tour.
“It’s one of the most memorable Test matches and series I have been part of. We had so many injuries and we were struggling as a team to get out best bowlers out,” Pujara said in a video uploaded by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“All the guys stood up, especially the youngsters, they were challenged and they were ready to take it up. We played as a team but I feel our bowling unit was remarkable,” said Pujara.
Pujara added that it is crucial to switch off from the game to stay fresh for the matches.
“One thing I have learnt recently is switching off is the most important part of the game so that when you come back, you come back fresh. So, yes, I still like to hold my bat whenever possible but time off from the game is also very important,” he said.
