With Rahul rested, I will be opening in his place: Pujara

Chennai, July 28:
Cheteshwar Pujara knows very well that his primary goal is to get back his place in the playing XI of the Indian Test side and for that he is now gearing upto open the innings when India A take on Australia A in the second unofficial ‘Test’, here tomorrow.
Pujara in fact has opened for senior India against Australia during the 2013 home series but now with KL Rahul being rested, the Saurashtra right-hander is desperate to show the national selectors that he is ready to bat at any position.
“KL Rahul is not here and has been rested. I will be opening in place of Rahul,” Pujara told reporters here today.
Pujara knows that Test captain will also be keenly watching India A captain’s performance and he feels that Virat Kohli’s presence will help all the boys.
“Virat wanted to have practice before Sri Lanka tour and that’s why he is here. I was named the skipper before the series and I’m leading the team. Obviously, when I play for India A or India, it’s important to score runs. With Virat here, we have had a chat and discussed about the game how things are going on.
“It will be good for me as well as for all the youngsters. They can talk to Virat and learn from him. Virat can share his ideas and how he prepares. It is a good platform,” Pujara said.(PTI)