Far from being disheartened by the loss of quick wickets just before close, Cheteshwar Pujara feels India can force a win if they bat well on Saturday.
"The way I started playing shots, I expected that they will be on the defensive mode but when they have 537 runs on board the plan is very simple, first to reach that mark. And obviously we have a bright chance to win the game if we bat well tomorrow," said Pujara who scored an attacking 124. "The ball will start turning from tomorrow and batting on day five will be difficult. At the moment I don't want to talk too much about it," said Pujara, who himself along with Murali Vijay were dismissed in the final session.
Pujara based his optimism on his deep knowledge of the SCA Stadium track and at a venue where he has a first class triple hundred to boast of. "We are still in a good position once we bat well tomorrow and get a lead of 60-70 runs which will help us in the second innings. It's a good wicket to bat on. I saw some spin, saw a couple of balls turn and bounce. We expect it to be more as match progresses, but our first focus will be to bat well tomorrow. And possibly press for win the day after."
Pujara added 209 runs for the second wicket with Vijay who played the ideal foil, scoring 126. Asked about the chemistry between him and the Tamil Nadu player, with whom he has forged six triple-digit stands including a record 370 against Australia at Hyderabad three years ago, Pujara said they communicate well with each other on and off the field. "It's the communication, both of us have been playing Test cricket for a long time. Especially me and him — we are playing (only) this format particularly and we have spent a lot time not just on field by talking about this format. Sometimes it's difficult for players playing only this particular format," said Pujara.
"When you don't play other formats you don't get quality practice and you are not in touch with the game. It's just the communication that keeps us going. We know each other's strengths we know what the opposition tries to do," he added.
On playing in his home town, Pujara said: "It (hundred) means a lot. There were expectations. Family members and close friends were watching this game. Even the crowd was expecting (a century) but I told myself I don't have to think about it with the kind of position India was in. We wanted to put up a good total.”