Former Indian Test specialist
According to Pujara, Kohli’s established role at number three provides him with a more stable platform to anchor the innings and build a substantial score. While acknowledging the importance of the opening partnership, the former batter noted that the nature of the number three position inherently offers more time for a player to settle into the rhythm of the game, which he views as a key factor in converting starts into triple-figure scores in the 50-over format.
Tactical Roles and Series Expectations
Pujara explained that Rohit Sharma’s primary responsibility is to provide India with an aggressive start during the powerplay overs. While he acknowledged that the conditions in New Zealand might necessitate a shift in strategy for the openers, he maintained that the inherent pressure of the opening role makes it a different challenge compared to the anchor role typically played by Kohli. Despite this, Pujara did not rule out the possibility of the captain finding success if he adjusts his approach to the local conditions.
Looking ahead to the broader series, Pujara anticipates a highly competitive contest between the two sides. He highlighted a potential hurdle for the visitors, noting that India is expected to field different squad combinations across the first three matches and the final two fixtures. This rotation, in his view, gives New Zealand a slight advantage as they maintain more consistency in their lineup throughout the duration of the series.
Pujara expressed confidence in India’s ability to perform well during the initial stages of the tour, though he warned that the final two matches could prove to be a significant test. Furthermore, he noted the unpredictable nature of the weather in New Zealand, suggesting that the series could be impacted by rain, with at least one match potentially ending in a washout. Ultimately, he expects a hard-fought battle between the two nations.
