Blessed with an incredible power of concentration, Pujara has cultivated a technique that allows him to spearhead an attack, and his 7000-plus Test runs, including 19 centuries, reflect that old-world approach. .
His strike rate, 44.44, is sometimes debated, but the fact that he gets out once every 99.4 deliveries makes him a long-form asset.
Pujara is celebrated for his determination which has earned him the Tamil nickname ‘Mirugam’, which means ‘beast’, from teammate Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ashwin wrote on the ESPNcricinfo website, “The way an animal concentrates on its prey, Puji concentrates on batting.”
Pujara says discipline and detachment, especially from social media, are key to his game.
To be successful in the Test format, one has to be disciplined over a long period of time.
“It’s important to shut out the outside noise… I try to isolate myself from social media, newspapers and television – even if it’s positive (publicity).”