Cheteshwar Pujara reflects on Test cricket's evolution amid bazball era

Veteran Indian Test cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his grit and resilience in the longest format, has voiced his thoughts on how red-ball cricket has evolved over recent years. In a cricketing landscape increasingly influenced by fast-paced scoring, especially under England's aggressive 'Bazball' approach, Pujara offers a contrasting yet insightful perspective, one that emphasizes balance, awareness, and the enduring value of patience.

England’s adoption of 'Bazball', a strategy characterized by prioritizing high strike rates and aggressive intent, has redefined conventional Test match batting. This bold approach, spearheaded under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, has captured attention globally and sparked debates over the future of traditional Test cricket values. However, Pujara, revered for his classic Test match temperament, believes that aggression is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

“Test cricket is about adapting to the situation. Aggression has its place, especially on flat tracks where you can score quickly. But when conditions are challenging like facing the new ball in England or Australia, you need to respect the game. Patience, temperament, and reading the conditions become far more critical,” Pujara shared in an interview with journalist Vimal Kumar.

The seasoned batter, who has proven his mettle in both the Indian subcontinent and the challenging conditions of SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries, stressed the importance of situational awareness. He added, “It’s not just about surviving, it’s about understanding when to absorb pressure and when to capitalize. Success in Test cricket lies in playing smart, not just fast.”

Pujara’s own career has been a testament to this philosophy. With monumental innings in Australia and resilient performances at home, his ability to anchor the innings and weather tough spells of bowling has often turned the tide in India’s favor. His comments serve as a reminder that the beauty of Test cricket lies in its variety—where both aggression and caution can coexist depending on the demands of the moment.

On Shubman Gill: A calm leader for a new era

Pujara also weighed in on the future of Indian Test cricket, particularly in light of the recent announcement by the BCCI naming Shubman Gill as the new Test captain. With Rishabh Pant as his deputy, and experienced campaigners like Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur brought into the squad, India is clearly looking to blend youthful energy with veteran insights.

Speaking to Sony Sports Network, Pujara praised Gill’s temperament and leadership qualities. “He’s calm, composed, and mature beyond his years. I’ve observed his captaincy during the IPL with the Gujarat Titans, and he’s shown great decision-making and clarity. I believe he understands what’s expected of him, both as a leader and a batter.”