Kagiso Rabada Tried To Sledge But I Was In My Zone: Cheteshwar Pujara

"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.

India's dependable middle order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has claimed that South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada did try to disturb his concentration on the opening day of the second Test, but the Proteas seamer's tactic hardly bothered him as he was "in his own zone". Rabada did have a few words to say to Pujara after scalping him for 58, perhaps venting out a bit of his frustration 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. Mayank Agarwal scored a second successive Test hundred while Virat Kohli and Pujara hit gritty half-centuries as India dominated Day 1 in Pune. At stumps, Virat Kohli was unbeaten on 63 with Ajinkya Rahane (18 not out) for company with India on 273 for 3. Bad lights forced early stumps but India should be happy with their day.