Pujara: India still in the game thanks to Pandya
South Africa lead by 142 runs with eight wickets remaining in their second innings after two pulsating days of action in Cape Town, but Pandya’s counterattacking innings of 93 from 95 balls, as well his dismissals of Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram, kept the visitors in the hunt.
“He showed a lot of character,” said Pujara, whose dismissal by Vernon Philander, for a 92-ball 26, brought India’s No.7 to the crease. “We expected it from him and he delivered. He’s batting well, bowling well. He balances the team combination.”
Pandya, 24, is playing just his fourth Test match but there are signs already that he is becoming a talisman for the side – a player who can provide inspiration in all three disciplines.
“The environment got very positive in the dressing room after Pandya’s innings,” said Pujara, “and he also got us two wickets. His performance today was outstanding. It was a case of him playing his natural game. It was the ideal situation for him to express himself.”
Pujara acknowledged South Africa’s four-pronged pace attack as one of the very best in the world, particularly in home conditions, but is optimistic that India’s seamers can inflict some damage of their own on day three.
“Overall we’re in a good position, we’re very much in the game,” said India’s No.3. “There’s a lot of time left in the game and the wicket might deteriorate a bit. Tomorrow’s forecast could help with the swing.”