Hyderabad, Aug 23: It was not only about coming to bat at the all-important No 3 position or about making a comeback in the Test side after an injury but there was also the pressure of filling in the big shoes of the legend, Rahul Sharad Dravid. With ‘The Wall’ retiring from cricket, the world held its breath as the heir apparent, Cheteshwar Pujara took guard today. The 24-year-old has begun well with a patient, unbeaten century against New Zealand on the Day 1 of the first Test, much like his predecessor.

In a brief post-match television interview, Pujara spoke about the wait, the comeback and the century.

Excerpts:

On his comeback and maiden Test ton

I am really happy for it. I was out because of the injury and had to wait a long time for this hundred. On debut, I thought I could have capitalized and made a hundred but I am really happy that I made a comeback and made a hundred and started off very well.

On how he kept himself motivated when he wasn’t part of the team

I am very thankful to my family, especially my father; he is always there to help me out and he has been coaching me since I was a child. He inspired me a lot and it is love for the game and that’s what keeps me going.

On the importance of the India A tour to the West Indies and whether it helped

It helped quite a lot because we were playing in tough conditions [in the West Indies] and individually, I did well. So I was very confident about this tour.

On his innings and being composed from the outset

I think it is because of the preparations I knew that I will be facing these kinds of bowlers. And I have played a couple of matches in Hyderabad, so I knew wicket a little better than other grounds. And I think it is the preparation that got me going.

On the pitch

The odd ball is bouncing from the good length spot and it has also started turning a bit, so it is going to be helpful for us.

On being used to scoring big innings like triple tons and whether he is looking for a big score here as well

Obviously, and even MS [Dhoni] was telling me that you have a chance to score a double hundred. So let’s see what happens. We have to put up 400 runs on the board and that’s what the first target is.