Ravichandran Ashwin throws open challenge to Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of Rajkot Test

India’s legendary veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is hopeful of outcast top-order batter Cheteshwar Pujara inviting his former national teammates for dinner when the India Vs England 5-match Test series heads to Rajkot (Saurashtra) for the all-important 3rd Test which could decide the complexion of the series going forward.

Ravichandran Ashwin while speaking on his latest YouTube video, remained hopeful that homeboy Pujara who is currently taking part in Ranji Trophy 2024 for Saurashtra, will ask the entire Indian team for a dinner like he did the last time England played a Test match in Rajkot.

“Let’s wait and watch if Cheteshwar Pujara invites everyone to his home for dinner.” – Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. 

Back in 2016 when England came here for a 5-match Test series, the Saurashtra Cricket stadium hosted the 1st Test in which India posted 488 in the 2nd innings while responding to Alastair Cook’s side’s 1st inning total of 537. The Indians were able to score 400+ on the back of homeboy Pujara’s wonderful knock of 124 before scoring 18 in the 4th innings.

The match remained a draw but India were able to cruise over England by winning all of the next 4 Test matches in Vizag, Mohali, Mumbai, and Chennai. The series was not just memorable for the Chetshwar Pujara dinner but also for his performances as well as his teammates.

Virat Kohli who will miss the entire series this year, had scored 655 runs across the 5 Tests and was the highest run-getter of the 2016 series while Pujara was behind Joe Root in the 3rd with 401 runs under his belt. Ravichandran Ashwin was the highest wicket-taker of the series with 28 wickets in 10 innings at an average of 30.25.

The off-spinner is just a wicket away from scripting history and becoming just the 2nd Indian bowler to register 500 Test wickets after the great Anil Kumble. Ravichandran Ashwin currently stands at 499 wickets and a wicket in Rajkot will truly cement his legacy as one of India’s greatest finds. 

Both India and England squads are currently enjoying some time off the cricket field to spend quality time with their families before shifting their focus once again to the series. A reminder, India hasn’t lost a single red-ball series on home soil since 2012 and the English contingent will try to replicate the performance Sir Alastair Cook’s side produced a decade ago.

“A Certified Indian Legend”, Ravichandran Ashwin Compliments Pujara

Ravichandran Ashwin justified the prominent saying of, “GOAT recognizes GOAT” while speaking about Cheteshwar Pujara in his recently uploaded video. Ashwin referenced Pujara as a certified Indian legend and wished that the Indian team find good luck while playing in his hometown.

“The Indian players have gone back home and will be reuniting for the next Test match in Rajkot. Rajkot is the home of Cheteshwar Pujara. A certified Indian legend who recently concluded his 100 Test matches. We’ll be playing in his place. Ravindra Jadeja, Saurashtra. The Rajkot stadium is his home ground, but he is from Jamnagar.” – Ravichandran Ashwin concluded.