Cheteshwar Pujara declares England tour availability, sends fiery 100-Test message to Gautam Gambhir
Published - 01 May 2025, 05:37 PM | Updated - 01 May 2025, 06:12 PM
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Cheteshwar Pujara is silently preparing for a possible return to the India National Cricket Team for the upcoming five-match Test series in England. Despite racking up 7195 runs and 19 centuries in 103 Tests—more than any Indian batter except Virat Kohli since 2010—Cheteshwar Pujara has been sidelined, and the veteran batter admitted that it's hurting him inside.
But with the Indian Test team struggling to deliver and failing to make it to the WTC final this year, there’s loud chatter about whether it’s time to bring back one of India’s most reliable batters, Pujara.
Notably, among modern-era players, only Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have played more matches than Pujara. He has 7195 Test runs and 19 centuries to his name.
Cheteshwar Pujara eyes India comeback with England tour
Well, the right-handed batter can be recalled to the Indian Test side for the upcoming tough tour of England, especially considering Ashwin is now retired and Kohli is struggling in Tests.
However, Pujara hasn’t played since the WTC Final 2023, but he hasn’t given up and is determined to make a comeback for the upcoming five-match Test series.
Recently, Pujara shared his disappointment over missing the Australia tour, but he kept himself motivated because of his love for the game.
Not getting the opportunity is a big disappointment: Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara told Boria Majumdar on his show Backstage with Boria: “When one has been successful at the highest level and played more than 100 Test matches and is still not a part of the team, you carry on the hard work that has been the reason behind getting the success.
Not getting the opportunity is a big disappointment, but I keep myself ready and motivated because of my love for this game. And out of that love, I keep myself close to the game and routine without expecting much, and through any opportunity I get, be it domestic or county.”
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Would like to give the best if I get selected for England tour: Cheteshwar Pujara
Meanwhile, the Indian Test squad for the England tour will be announced in a few weeks, and changes in the batting line-up are expected after recent poor performances against New Zealand and Australia. And Pujara has kept himself ready if the opportunity comes.
Pujara stated, “Yes, of course, if the team needs and I get the opportunity, I am prepared from my end. I have been working on my physical fitness, performing well both domestically and internationally. We have not won a series in England for around 20 years now.
So given an opportunity, I would like to give the best from my end and grab the opportunity if the team needs me. This would be the perfect opportunity to contribute when a win is much needed in England.”
Earlier this year, India suffered a 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, and Pujara feels the outcome might have been different had he been part of the squad. With a strong record in Australia, the seasoned batter believes that his experience and familiarity with the conditions could have helped the team perform better in the Test series.
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