There's always a price on my wicket, says Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara is on a high. After his immaculate double century, it was no surprise that his No. 3 predecessor Rahul Dravid quickly congratulated him with a text message. Excerpts from the postmatch interaction...

On the No. 3 batting position:
It's always important to bat up the order. I like challenges. At No. 3 you often get to face the new ball. It's a big responsibility.

On the difference between scoring at international level and domestic level on home pitches: There is nothing wrong with the wicket. We've got three wickets, the ball is turning. We have utilized the conditions better than them. You don't get loose balls that easily in domestic cricket. You have to work harder for your runs here.

On scoring big hundreds:
I've done the same thing in domestic cricket. I never like to get out. There's always a price on my wicket. Even after scoring a double-hundred I never wanted to give away my wicket. That's the reason why I'm able to score big runs.

On missing a ton against England in the practice game:
It was good that I got out on 87 in the practice game. If I had ended up scoring a hundred, I wouldn't have had the same motivation to make 100 and then 200 in this game. I was comfortable facing all the bowlers. Initially my concern was Graeme Swann because I hadn't faced him before. But after I faced a couple of overs against him, I felt that I could manage.

On playing a big series:
There was no pressure. I did well against New Zealand. I got a lot of confidence from there. I believe in preparation and my preparation was up to the mark.

On the role of coach Duncan Fletcher:
Duncan keeps things simple. He has very good knowledge of the game and he doesn't interfere with technique. But there were a few minor points he told me before this match and I think it helped me a bit.

On whether he can achieve the same success away from home:
I'm not worried about my future. I just want to focus