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XtraTime Web Desk: India’s No 3 Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Friday credited former India cricketer Rahul Dravid for making him understand the importance of switching off from cricket. It is all the more important for the Sourashtra batsman as he only plays one format of the game nowadays. So, it gets very important to switch off when you are not playing cricket.

"He helped me understand the importance of switching off from cricket. I had the same thought, more or less, but when I spoke to him, it gave me a lot of clarity about it and I was sure of what I needed to do," Pujara was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Pujara has been lauded for perfectly fitting into the big shoes of Rahul Dravid. Like Dravid, Pujara has been solid with his technique, paying the role of sheet anchor with perfection in tests. Pujara, who has plied his trade in county cricket has witnessed how the cricketers keep personal life away from professional life.

According to Pujara, "I also saw in county cricket how they keep personal and professional lives separate. I value that advice a lot. Many people consider me to be focused on. Yes, I am focused, But I also know when to switch off. There is life beyond cricket."

Pujara also said that he "cannot describe in one line" on what Rahul Dravid means to him, adding that the former Indian captain has been an inspiration in his career - both on-and-off the field.

"I cannot say in one line what Rahul bhai means to me. He has always been an inspiration, and will remain one," Pujara said.
His mental fortitude and batting technique is often compared to Dravid but Pujara said "despite my enchantment with him" he never tried to "copy him."

"There is a similarity in our games, but that's not because of my fascination with him. That came mainly through my experiences with Saurashtra, where I learned that scoring a hundred alone isn't enough, you have to carry your team," he said.