Cheteshwar Pujara, the former Indian Cricketer, recently spoke about his Test career and openly named three teammates he considers truly underrated. According to Pujara, these players made significant contributions to Indian Test cricket but did not receive the recognition they deserved because of timing, injuries, or competition from other star players.
1. Murali Vijay
When talking about Murali Vijay, Pujara was clear in his view that Vijay deserved far more appreciation than he received. Pujara said, “Murali Vijay, again, an exceptional opener, I think one of the best openers I have played cricket with. If you are a number three player, you want the best opener out there. I have had a lot of great partnerships with Vijay, and he is also one of the best Test openers I have seen”.
Murali Vijay could absorb pressure and set a solid base for the team, especially on tough overseas tours. He was known for his technical proficiency and composure against swinging and seaming balls. Though Vijay played several match-winning knocks, his consistency and calmness often went unnoticed in the shadow of more celebrated openers. His numbers and the partnerships with Pujara were crucial in many Indian overseas victories, ensuring security and stability at the top order, a trait highly valued in Test cricket.
Why Vijay Was Underrated
- Consistency Abroad: Vijay performed extremely well in overseas conditions, offering reliability where Indian openers often struggled.
- Partnerships: His partnership with Pujara in the top order helped India post good totals, yet his contribution was frequently overlooked because he shared the spotlight with famous names like Virender Sehwag and Shikhar Dhawan.
- Limited Fame: Despite being technically sound, Vijay’s low-profile personality and fewer endorsements made him less visible in the media.
2. Wriddhiman Saha
Wriddhiman Saha stood out in Pujara’s list for his wicket-keeping skills and for being a reliable batter. Pujara stated, “Wriddhiman Saha has been an exceptional wicketkeeper and batter. But he was born in an era when MS Dhoni was captain, and then after that he didn’t get a lot of matches to play for the Indian team, and Rishabh Pant also came in, so he missed out”.
Saha is widely regarded in cricketing circles as one of the best wicketkeepers India has ever produced. His ability to take tough catches and effect sharp stumpings set him apart, besides contributing handy runs lower down the order.
Why Saha Was Underrated
- Limited Opportunities: Saha was unfortunately part of the squad when MS Dhoni was captain, so his chances were limited.
- Competition: As Dhoni retired, competition from Rishabh Pant further reduced Saha’s chances, despite his impressive performances when selected.
- Expert’s Choice: Those who closely followed cricket valued Saha’s wicketkeeping craft, particularly in spin-friendly Indian conditions.
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Pujara described Bhuvneshwar Kumar as an “exceptional bowler” who could not have a long Test career mainly due to recurring injuries. According to Pujara, “Unfortunately, Bhuvi was injured and he couldn’t carry on playing Test cricket for a long time, but he was an exceptional bowler”.
Bhuvneshwar’s ability to move the ball both ways and adapt his strategies to different conditions made him a valuable asset, especially during his early years. He was also capable with the bat, making vital contributions in lower-order partnerships.
Why Bhuvneshwar Was Underrated
- Injury Woes: Bhuvneshwar did not take part in many Tests because of constant fitness problems, playing only 21 Tests.
- Multifaceted Talent: He was skilled at swinging the ball and also made a good contribution to the runs as a tail-ender, but these were overwhelmed by the performances of the pace stalwarts of India, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
- Game-Changing Spells: His opening spells had had critical breakthroughs on various occasions, and this formed the baseline of India winning.
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Conclusion
The point of view of Cheteshwar Pujara on Test cricket makes clear the need to acknowledge the unsung heroes. Murali Vijay, Wriddhiman Saha, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar played a heroic role at a time when the Indian team needed to put in a strong performance and showcase their talent. Their narratives indicate the struggles of being part of a star-studded team and the issues of timing, opportunity, and injury. Since Pujara himself was occasionally underestimated by his own hardness and determination, his wisdom appeals to any reader who has a deeper appreciation of what is actually needed to be a fine cricketer.
When any Test campaign is successful, there may be players who will not feature in the headlines but will be pillars to the team. Cheteshwar Pujara does not fail to recognize his underestimated colleagues with honesty and trustworthiness, which makes him appear more trustworthy to the fans of the sport and motivates them to see those who influence the end result of a game in a new light.
