Tendulkar helped me stay focused: Pujara

Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara‘s fifth Test century was overshadowed by Sachin Tendulkar‘s sublime 74. However, the youngster credited Tendulkar for his success saying the master blaster helped him stay focussed in the middle.

Pujara said the huge cheers for Tendulkar, who struck a sublime 74 in his farewell Test against the West Indies here Friday, were a distraction for him initially but once he settled down it was all fine.

“It just wanted to settle down when I came in. The pitch had something in for the fast bowlers like yesterday. I just wanted to bat like I did yesterday. I knew the nature of the track and just wanted to play my natural game,” said Pujara at the post-match press conference.

Pujara said it was a pleasure to watch Tendulkar from the other end and whenever he lost focus the legend would walk down to him and caution him.

“It was a pleasure to watch him (Tendulkar) bat from the other end. And I always feel that there are many things to learn from his every innings. He is always in form when he bats,” he said.

Pujara said the 144-run stand he shared with Tendulkar was special.

“It was a great stand. I always enjoy batting with him. In fact in my first Test also I had a partnership with him. He is a great person and a great cricketer. His advice always helps,” said Pujara.

The young batsman also said it was tough for Tendulkar to bat under immense pressure.

“It is not easy to bat in your farewell Test. There is always a lot of pressure on you and especially if you are Sachin Tendulkar.”