Cheteshwar Pujara Admits Nerves Before Ringing Lord’s Bell: “You Don’t Want To Mess Up”
India’s Test veteran Cheteshwar Pujara had a unique honor on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test — ringing the iconic Lord’s bell, a pre-match tradition steeped in cricketing history. But while Pujara has stood firm under intense pressure during countless innings for India, the moment brought its own nerves.
“I was a little nervous ringing the bell this morning because everyone is looking at you, and you don’t want to mess up,” Pujara confessed during a chat on BBC Test Match Special. The moment was broadcast live, with thousands in the stands and millions watching from home — and Pujara admitted that the ceremonial duty felt as important as a high-stakes innings.
The bell-ringing tradition at Lord’s began in 2007 and takes place five minutes before play each day. It is performed by a distinguished former player or cricket personality. For Indian fans, the ceremony has seen the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid take part. Just two days earlier, Sachin Tendulkar had rung the bell for the first time — making it a special occasion for Indian cricket.
Pujara on the Match Situation
Pujara also provided insight into the live action unfolding at Lord’s in the third Test of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. With England scoring 387 in their first innings, and India responding strongly thanks to KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, Pujara noted that the morning session on Day 3 could shape the match.
“This session will determine how the game will progress,” he observed. “If England can pick up wickets, then they will be ahead in the game. But if India doesn’t lose wickets and adds more runs, they will take control.”
Pant Battling Pain, Showing Grit
Pujara also reflected on Pant’s resilience, particularly after the wicketkeeper-batter sustained a finger injury while keeping, forcing Dhruv Jurel to take over behind the stumps. Yet, Pant continued to bat with freedom and confidence.
“You do feel the pain, but once you’re out there, you want to do something for your country,” said Pujara. “Mentally, you prepare for that. If you start focusing on the pain, you lose focus on your job.”
As India battles to level the five-match series, Pujara’s words — both on tradition and temperament — highlight the balance between reverence for the game and the steel required to perform under pressure, whether ringing the bell or facing the fire.
