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‘He's better than me': Cheteshwar Pujara picks Pakistan batter as better player of spin than him and Virat Kohli
Cheteshwar Pujara has heaped praise on Pakistan legend Younis Khan, calling him a better player of spin than himself and even Virat Kohli. read more
For Cheteshwar Pujara, only Younis Khan is a better player of spin than him, not even Virat Kohli. Image: PTI
Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has picked former Pakistan batter Younis Khan as a better player of spin than himself, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson. Known as one of the best players of spin in his generation, Pujara was asked to pick a player who he feels is a better player of spin than him, in a video posted by ESPNCricinfo.
Some of the biggest names of modern cricket were tossed up, but Pujara reacted to only a few. After ignoring names like David Warner, Dean Elgar, Ross Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Pujara broke the silence on Joe Root's name and stated, 'Maybe'.
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He was more detailed when Kohli's name came up. Pujaria did not say Kohli was a better player of spin than he, but he said they are at par. 'I would say at par. In terms of stats, his numbers suggest that he's a good player of spin,' he said.
When asked about Steve Smith and Kane Williamson, Pujara said: 'They have scored runs against India and their numbers are good, but I don't know, it's very hard to compare myself when it comes to spin, but they are quality players.'
Pujara picks Younis Khan over Kohli
Next was Younis Khan and Pujara was quick to accept his prowess against spin bowling. 'Younis Khan — I would have to say that he's better than me,' he said.
Younis Khan is Pakistan's highest run-getter in Test cricket, having scored 10,099 runs at an average of 52.06 in 118 Tests. 4,436 of his runs came against spin bowling at an average of 75.2.
Pujara has amassed 7195 runs in 103 Tests so far, with 3,376 coming against spin bowling at an average og 61.4. He has a career average of 43.60.
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