India vs Australia: Sanjay Bangar lauds Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane

“Ultimately only the results count,” India's batting coach told the media here on Sunday while Virat Kohli's men are hoping to begin the India vs Australia Test series on a winning note.

Published : Dec 09, 2018 16:44 IST

Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in Adelaide on Sunday.

India’s batting coach Sanjay Bangar said that the team is shaping up well and learning to cope with difficult tours. “Ultimately only the results count,” he told the media here on Sunday while Virat Kohli's men are seeking a victory in the first Test. Bangar lauded Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane while hoping for more consistency from the tail.

Excerpts…

Pujara the mainstay

He himself said that it is one of his best knocks. On the back of it, he has made a big contribution in the second innings. Every batsman wants to conquer all conditions. He must be pretty satisfied deep within himself. Whatever he has done he has done for the team, and the process has led to some personal glory, which he richly deserves.

India's batting coach Sanjay Bangar says Rishabh Pant is a matured player.
 

Rahane’s return

Rahane has scored runs against the West Indies and even in England, he had scores in the third, fourth and fifth Tests. Just that the hundred has been elusive. Whenever he has played an innings and with the quality he possesses, he generally puts the team in a very good position.

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The wobbling tail

We were expecting 25 runs from them. That’s an area where we are continuously looking to improve. We hope that the lower order, especially 9, 10 and 11 show a bit more application.

READ: ‘We have the belief we can score these runs’

Mercurial Rishabh Pant

He is a pretty mature player. He not only plays his shots but he has another aspect to his game too. For somebody who is just starting his career, he is an exciting prospect to have.

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Murali Vijay’s travails

He is part of the team’s plans. He is here because of his experience. He performed well in county cricket. And even in the practice match, he had a score. Being in and out of the team never helps any player. But we are definitely keen about the experience he possesses and the discipline that he can bring to the game. The role of the openers is crucial. At times you have to sacrifice your ego and play time.