Pataudi Trophy 2021: Was Cheteshwar Pujara under pressure from Team India to perform? Rohit Sharma reveals

India came up with a commendable batting performance in the second innings of the third Test against England. While Cheteshwar Pujara has struck back with an admirable performance, Rohit Sharma has revealed if he was under pressure.

Team Newsable

Leeds, First Published Aug 28, 2021, 12:34 PM IST

On Friday, Team India gave it back to England on Day 3 of the third Test for the Pataudi Trophy at Headingley in Leeds. Thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara's unbeaten 91, India has edged closer to a lead in the second innings and looks on course to save the Test.

Pujara's performance comes at a time when India needed him the most. He has been under fire of late following a string of poor performances following the conclusion of the Australia tour earlier this year.

Despite being under fire and calls being made to drop him and replace him with Prithvi Shaw, the former was included in the playing XI for the third Test. Following the end of day's play on Friday, Rohit Sharma was asked in the press conference if Pujara was under pressure from the side and team management to deliver.

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Rohit revealed that there was no talk regarding Pujara's batting within the team, while most of the discussions happened outside the group, reports ESPNCricinfo. The entire side was aware of his quality and experience, and there were no second thoughts about having him on the side.

Rohit also pondered that while he struggled to score runs of late, he aided in partnerships, especially with Ajinkya Rahane at Lord's and also in Australia. He reckoned that while Pujara's current form is crucial, one should not forget what he has done over the years.

Besides Pujara, Rohit too played a handy knock, scoring 59, as India is currently 215/2, trailing by 139 runs. It would have a challenging task at hand to survive the morning session on Saturday.

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Last Updated Aug 28, 2021, 12:34 PM IST