Cheteshwar Pujara was criticised for his ‘lack of intent’ during batting during the England series. However, he corrected himself quickly and got back to scoring runs. What helped him? Cheteshwar Pujara says fearless attitude was the key to the lock.

Batting with a fearless attitude helped Pujara enjoy his game. He reiterated that it had nothing to do with a change in techniques.

The right-handed batsman hasn’t scored a Test hundred in 3 years and is unperturbed. Because he is satisfied as long as his 80s and 90s come in winning causes.

“Yes, I feel so. When it comes to performing, the mindset was a little different but when it comes to technique I don’t think there was a major change in technique. It was just the approach and I was a little fearless which helps,” Pujara told PTI.

He did admit in a roundabout manner that he was putting too much pressure on himself earlier, which has changed since he scored 91 and 61 at Leeds and Oval at a decent clip.

“You don’t need to put too much pressure on yourself and just try and go there and enjoy the game rather than worrying too much about what’s going around.

“That was the mindset during the England series. So far preparation has been good and experiences of playing in Indian conditions will help in the next couple of Tests,” Pujara, who will be the vice-captain for the series opener in Kanpur, said.

For Pujara, the lack of Test hundred since January 2019 isn’t a problem.

“As far as my hundred is concerned, when it has to happen it will happen. My job is to bat well for the team and it’s not that I haven’t been getting runs. I have got 80s and 90s. As long as I am batting well and contributing to the team, I am not bothered about my hundred. It’s a matter of one innings,” he made it clear.