Pujara didn't get stuck, was trying to score runs in first Test: Rahane

Ahead of the second Test against New Zealand Indias vicecaptain Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday threw his weight behind Cheteshwar Pujara and said that the number three batsman did not get stuck and was indeed trying to score runs in the first TestPujara had to face criticism for his slow tempo in the first Test in Wellington as he scored 22 runs from 123 balls India went on to lose the match by ten wickets and it was their first defeat in the ongoing World Test ChampionshipI thought personally New Zealand bowled very well in the first well Pujara did not get stuck according to me He was trying to score runs All their bowlers did not bowl any loose deliveries It can happen any batsman can go through this phase Everyones game is completely different As a team we have to figure out how we actually play in the middle Rahane told reporters ahead of the second Test of the twomatch seriesWhatever we got in Wellington we got the same India A played here Hanuma told us that this wicket plays much better there is a good pace and bounce on this wicket The important thing would be to trust ourselves and not think about the first Test match Sixty points would be at stake in the World Test Championship he saidRavichandran Ashwin went on to take three wickets in the first Test However he failed to leave an impression with the bat As a result it is being speculated that the team management could bring in Ravindra Jadeja to lend the side more balanceRahane also said that every Test match matters in World Test Championship and recognised the importance of securing 60 points in the upcoming second Test against the KiwisStaying in the present really matters Every Test is crucial as WTC is going on So if we win even one Test here we will be far ahead as 60 points are at stake We are playing here after a long time It is important to understand what we feel as a unit Rahane saidWe have not made a decision yet Ashwin bowled well looking at the conditions in Wellington Jadeja is also a qualitybowler It is a good sign that we have two quality players The selection will depend on how the wicket looks tomorrow and what the captain and coach think he addedIn the first Test Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami took just two wickets amongst themselves However Rahane said that it was just one game and the team management does not doubt the quality of both the pacersIshant bowled very well Shami and Bumrah have been consistent It was just this game We have to adapt to the conditions I am sure they will adapt We do not have any doubts about Bumrah and Shami If we bat first here we have to play really well in the first session Having a clear mind and intent will help us Rahane saidThe second Test between India and New Zealand will be played from February 29March 4 at ChristchurchCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updatesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever