Pujara's real test lies once Sachin, Sehwag gone: Gavaskar

Former Indian Test opener Sunil Gavaskar believes Cheteshwar Pujara's biggest test of character will come when seniors like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag hang up their boots. If Pujara can hold fort for India once the big boys are gone, he would have proved himself, feels Gavaskar.

Praising his knock of 204 against Australia on Monday, Gavaskar told NDTV that Pujara is shaping his career very well.

"India have a very good Test batsman in Pujara. There were talks of Rahul Dravid's replacement and Pujara may just be the answer to that query. Indian batting in the coming days will revolve around him." he said, adding: "It will however be interesting to see how he approaches the game when he becomes the number 1 batsman in the team, when seniors like Sachin and Sehwag retire because for now, Pujara is more of a buffer batsman in the side."

Pujara has three centuries and a fifty in Tests but these milestones have been reached playing at home. Gavaskar though is not too concerned about Pujara's form overseas.

"In his three innings vs South Africa (in 2010-11), Pujara scored 31. (But) first overseas tour is always difficult. Look at how some of the more accomplished Aussie batsmen are struggling in India. Form overseas isn't easy but it will come," he said.

Gavaskar said any assessment on Pujara has to be made with pragmatism.

"Be patient with him. He has the hunger and the temperament but he may not be able to replicate his Indian form overseas," felt the original Little Master.