Rabada tried to sledge but I was in my zone: Pujara

October 10, 2019 20:27

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada did try to disturb Cheteshwar Pujara's concentration on the opening day of the second Test, but tactic hardly bothered the senior India batsman as he was "in his own zone".

Rabada did say a few words to Pujara after dismissing him for 58, perhaps letting a bit of his frustration out as he was unlucky not to get him out on zero due to a dropped catch.

Asked what exactly Rabada said, Pujara replied: "I can't remember what he said. But he (Rabada) is someone who always likes to say something to the batsmen.

"As a batsman, I always know that he (Rabada) will try to disturb my concentration, not just him but any bowler, who passes a comment, so I try and avoid (listening to) what they say," said India's dependable No 3.

"If you are in your zone, you hardly hear what they are trying to say as you are too much focussed on what you want to do as batsman. So when you are in your own zone, you miss out what they are saying, Pujara said avoiding any controversy.

Pujara made 58 off 112 deliveries.

He hit nine fours and one six during his knock before being dismissed by Rabada. -- PTI

Image: South Africa cricket team player Kagiso Rabada celebrates the dismissal of Cheteshwar Pujara during the second India-South Africa cricket test match at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Photograph: Mitesh Bhuvad/PTI Photo

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