"Put The Team First": Pujara On Virat Kohli Slowing Down To Reach 100
Virat Kohli, the renowned Indian batsman, achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious career by scoring his 48th century in One Day International (ODI) cricket.
This remarkable feat occurred during a World Cup 2023 match where India emerged victorious against Bangladesh.
As the cricketing fraternity celebrated Kohli's new milestone, there were a few individuals who questioned whether it was the right decision for Kohli to slow down towards the end of the game in order to reach his hundred.
During the match, there were instances when KL Rahul, Kohli's non-striking partner, would intentionally refuse to take singles in order to allow Kohli to face the ball.
However, veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara expressed his dissatisfaction with this approach.
Although I really wanted Virat Kohli to score a hundred, it's important to remember that the goal is to finish the game as quickly as possible.
It is desirable to have a high Net Run Rate. Cheteshwar Pujara, in an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, emphasised the importance of not having regrets when competing for the Net Run Rate.
He stated that if you find yourself in such a situation, it is crucial to avoid looking back and thinking about missed opportunities.
Pujara believes that Kohli and other Indian players should prioritise the team's interests above all else. When it comes to personal milestones, Pujara believes that the mindset of the player is also crucial.
I believe that, as a group, it may be necessary to make some sacrifices in order to reach a collective decision. It is important to prioritise the team and place their needs first.
That is my perspective on the matter. You desire to achieve your milestone, but not at the expense of the team.
As a player, you always have the freedom to make choices. However, some players believe that scoring a hundred in a game can positively impact their performance in the subsequent game. "It depends on the mindset you have," he added.
Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden also shared his opinion on the matter, stating that a player can be negatively affected if they become too complacent with their current form.
Upon my initial reaction, I believed that he had rightfully earned the opportunity to reach his hundred. It is crucial to exercise caution during these tournaments.
These things are important. The renowned Ian Bishop frequently discusses the importance of these matters.
The influence of the sporting gods can be quite ominous. If you begin to engage with that kind of performance, it can come back to haunt you. However, it was a decision that they both made. I don't have any issue with that. Hayden said.