Cheteshwar Pujara came to Virat Kohli's rescue after India's Test captain's sudden pull out of the ongoing second Test match against South Africa due to back spasm. Virat's absence left a void but KL Rahul stepped up to the occasion and took charge of the resurgent Indian team as they are in pursuit to win their first Test series on the South African soil.
Pujara backed Virat as he felt it must have been tough on the 33-year-old to take this difficult decision right before the match.
"On the day of the game, Virat had this spasm and had to take the call in the morning. So it's not easy for him as well. But the bench-strength of the team, credit goes to them, they have been working hard," Pujara said.
Pujara also spoke about the prospect of the match as he said that patience will be the key to take hold of the situation in the game.
"Yeah, this Test is very similar to the last one we played here. I feel the pitch was a little more up and down last time. We feel it will open a bit more again today, but we have to be a little more patient," he added.
The under-pressure Pujara, after going through a patchy period with the willow, finally starred with a splendid 53 off 86 in India's second innings as he added a lifeline to his batting career.
"I think the recent success means a lot to all us, especially how we played in England and Australia. That gave us a lot of self-belief. We are confident that our bowlers can take 20 wickets. We are hopeful of that even today. I thought that on a pitch like this you have to take your opportunities. You cannot wait for loose balls. You have to make sure the scoreboard is ticking. That was my gameplan," the Test specialist further signed off.
Kagiso Rabada (3/77) breathed fire with his top notch bowling while and Lungi Ngidi (3/43), Marco Jansen (3/67) and Duanne Olivier (11-1-43-1) stood tall to wrap the Indian innings to 266 on Day 3, which set Proteas a target of 240 to chase.
