India vs England 2021: Captain Virat Kohli says THIS in defence of Cheteshwar Pujara

The captain Virat Kohli said that players at this level are aware of their responsibilities and undue criticism doesn't bother them, least of all Cheteshwar Pujara.

India captain Virat Kohli wants critics of Cheteshwar Pujara’s batting to leave him alone as he strongly believes that it is up to individuals to figure out the ‘drawbacks’ in their game. Pujara is India’s second highest Test run-getter in the current team after skipper Kohli with 6,000 plus runs (6,267) in 86 matches but has often been accused of playing an ultra-defensive game which increases pressure on batsmen who follow. Asked about Pujara baiters, Kohli did come to his dependable No. 3’s defence albeit with a rider. “It’s been going on for a while and I honestly feel a player of his calibre and experience should be left alone and it should be absolutely with the individual to figure out what are the drawbacks in his game,” Kohli said on the eve of the first Test against England starting Wednesday (August 4). The captain said that players at this level are aware of their responsibilities and undue criticism doesn't bother them, least of all Pujara. “Similarly with me or any other player in this team, we are very aware of the things we need to do for the benefit of the team. I can from outside say criticism is unnecessary but I know for a fact that Pujara doesn't care and criticism is as relevant as you want it to be. People can say what they want to say on the outside and those are just words at the end of the day. If you feel they mean no value to you, you just carry on, walking on your path.”