Pujara’s confidence has been bolstered by that chase, regarding Saurashtra’s chances against Karnataka.
Pujara said, “Sometimes we have been very desperate to win the Ranji Trophy, but this time there’s no pressure. I will convey this to all the players. Even if we lose, the kind of cricket we’ve played this season has been exceptional. The quarter-final victory was deeply meaningful to me. I’m sure it is special to everyone. To make a comeback like that…
“We have a very good opportunity to win the semi-final and maybe even the final. Because it demonstrates that all the players are highly determined. Throughout the season, all the players have contributed at some stage. Everyone is in form. If we play to our potential, we have a very good chance of winning this game. But there’s no pressure on any of the players.”
Pujara was not interested in discussing his triple-hundred in 2013.
He also acknowledged that being the batsman the team looks up to adds extra pressure.
“At times there is additional pressure. When I was playing the quarter-final, I knew there was a lot of responsibility on my shoulders,” Pujara stated. “But I also need to understand that I need to stay normal in order to perform well. I just have to focus on the process instead of worrying about the pressure or expectations that are there. I’ve already commenced my preparation today. I’ll have one more net session tomorrow.”
Given his inclination to prepare, Pujara went directly to the Chinnaswamy from the airport, without stopping at the team hotel in between. The rest of the Saurashtra team arrived in Bengaluru on Monday night, and Pujara joined them directly at the nets.
“I believe it is important to participate in the Ranji Trophy,” he remarked. “Playing for Saurashtra is an honor for me. I have grown up playing Ranji Trophy cricket. It has greatly benefitted me when playing international cricket. Being part of the Saurashtra unit is something I have always looked forward to. Especially when we are in the knockout stage, I feel that if I’m around, if I can share my experience with young players, it can help the team. Coming here from Australia and playing with the SG ball is a bit of a change… it’s slightly different. But fortunately, I got to play in the quarter-final.
“I always hold the Ranji Trophy in high regard. It is always special to me. I feel youngsters should eagerly anticipate participating in this tournament because it prepares you for the longer format. I made my Ranji debut for Saurashtra in 2005. After that, the number of matches I’ve played…it’s taught me many lessons on playing long innings.”
“It holds significant value,” Agarwal stated, referring to playing for Karnataka. “The state has provided numerous opportunities and facilities to the players. Whatever you do, you have to come back and play for the state. And exert the same effort that you did before representing the country. Nothing changes.
“The preparation remains consistent. Whether you have represented India or not, you have to go out there and give your best and execute the same things correctly, repeatedly. Obviously, you will have additional confidence. Also, you have a bit more experience which you can carry forward
