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| Dravid's experience will benefit Indian Test side: Pujara |
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Kanpur, India batsman Cheteshawr Pujara on Tuesday said that new head coach Rahul Dravid’s vast experience in the longer format of the game will benefit the side.
"After the WTC, we were all hurt but we came back strongly in England and we played very good cricket. Now, the team is back together, confident and new coach Rahul Bhai is there," Pujara said in the virtual press conference.
Dravid, who worked with under-19 and India A teams at NCA, took over as the national senior men's team head chief coach from Ravi Shastri following India's early exit at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the UAE.
"That will help most of the players, especially the young players who have worked with Rahul Bhai during the Under-19 and India A series.
And even someone like us, who are experienced players. I have played with Rahul Bhai and worked with Rahul Bhai during the A series. All of us are looking for his guidance. The amount of experience he has as a player and coach will help the team,” Pujara further added.
Pujara also confirmed that Shubhman Gill will return to Test side, but refused to reveal his batting position.
He said that Gill has has been playing good cricket since his debut against Australia in 2020. The Punjab-born has three half-centuries under his belt in the longest format.
"Can’t reveal that at this stage. But see, he is a talented player and definitely he will be part of the team. So someone like him, you know he doesn’t need to worry too much, he has been playing good cricket for a couple of years since he has made his debut," he said.
Gill had to fly back home before the five-match Test series against England earlier in August after sustaining a shin injury.
"It was unfortunate that he (Gill) missed out on England, but he is a talented player, and I don’t think personally I will need to tell him much,” Pujara added.
Pujara, who has been appointed as India vice-captain for the first Test against New Zealand, said that Gill is well prepared and excited for the upcoming two-match series.
“Rahul bhai is there, he will give the best guidance. So I think he (Gill) will just have to play his natural game. I can’t reveal the position he will bat at, but he is well prepared and I am sure he is looking forward to this series,” Pujara said.
India and New Zealand will lock horns in the first Test match at Green Park stadium in Kanpur on November 25.
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