Pujara: India better prepared for slowish Lucknow track after Japan experience

Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara believes the Indian team will be better equipped to handle the slowish conditions expected in the opening T20I against the West Indies in Lucknow, having recently played on challenging batting pitches at the Asian Games in Japan.

India and the West Indies are scheduled to begin their five-match T20 series in Lucknow later on Tuesday.

Pujara said the Ekana wicket could offer assistance to both pace and spin bowlers and make batting difficult, but India's recent experience in Japan could help the batters adjust.

"Bowlers won't mind the Lucknow wicket. Given how it plays, there is a bit of help for fast bowlers as well as spinners, and batting isn't that easy," Pujara said on JioHotstar.

"The advantage for the Indian team is that after playing in Japan, the pitches there weren't that easy for batting, so the batters will be a bit prepared for a slowish wicket or if the ball turns a bit."

Pujara, however, felt the short turnaround between the Asian Games and the West Indies series could pose a challenge.

"So, when the first match kicks off at Ekana, the Indian team might be slightly prepared with respect to the pitch, but may not be when it comes to the turnaround time," he said.

On the expected contest between India opener Abhishek Sharma and West Indies off-spinner Roston Chase, Pujara backed the left-hander's improved ability against spin.

"When we talk about Abhishek, it was a very short phase when he wasn't at number one. Given his strike rate, his consistency, and the starts he gives India, he is probably one of the most exceptional players in the T20 format," he said.

Pujara acknowledged that Indian left-handers have occasionally struggled against off-spin but said Abhishek has made significant progress in that area.

"Abhishek has gotten much better against off-spinners now, so it won't be easy for Chase. Still, his role will be very important because there are many left-handers there in the Indian line-up," he said.

The opening combination could also be a talking point after teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi partnered Abhishek at the Asian Games.

Pujara said he would prefer experienced batter Sanju Samson to return to the opening slot.

"I would go with Sanju Samson because he is an experienced player who has won a World Cup. You can't suddenly make a change when someone is performing well just because you have an exceptional talent sitting on the bench," he said.

"Sanju Samson is equally talented. He has also performed really well and is actually at his peak right now. There will be injuries in between, so Sooryavanshi will definitely get opportunities. It's not like he won't get a chance."

Pujara also praised Tilak Varma's development as a finisher, saying India appeared to have found the kind of middle-order player they needed.

"It seems like the Indian team has found the kind of player they were looking for," he said.

Pujara said a player batting at No. 5, 6 or 7 in T20 cricket needs to adapt to the match situation, whether rebuilding after early wickets or attacking in the final overs.

"Tilak has shown that he has that ability to take on the bowlers at the death at will," he said.