Cheteshwar Pujara Opens Up on His Team India Comeback Hopes and BGT Dream

Indian cricket veteran Cheteshwar Pujara has been waiting patiently for his return to the national squad. The last time the experienced batsman donned the Indian jersey was in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in 2023. Since then, he has been overlooked for selection, despite his relentless efforts in domestic and county cricket.

Pujara’s Determination to Make a Comeback

The 36-year-old batsman has been grinding it out in domestic cricket, scoring runs consistently to prove his mettle. Despite his consistent performances, a recall to the Indian team has remained elusive. Speaking about his exclusion, Pujara expressed his unwavering desire to play for India again:

“As a cricketer, you always want to represent your country. I am doing everything possible to earn my place back in the Indian team. If the team needs me, I will be ready without hesitation. I have been actively playing domestic cricket and have had successful stints in county cricket over the past few years. If given the opportunity, I will grab it with both hands.”

Pujara’s statement reflects his hunger and commitment to returning to international cricket. Known for his resilience and technical proficiency in the longest format, Pujara remains one of India’s most reliable Test batsmen.

Pujara Confident of India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Hat-trick Win

Pujara, a key figure in India’s historic Test triumphs in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21, believes he could have helped India complete a hat-trick of Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) wins had he been part of the squad in 2023-24.

“I was completely confident that if I had been there, we could have won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the third consecutive time,” Pujara stated.

His ability to anchor innings and counter the Australian pace attack played a crucial role in India’s past BGT victories. His absence in the most recent series was a major talking point, as India struggled to maintain the same level of batting stability.

Pujara’s Views on England Series and Team India’s Chances

With India set to tour England in 2025, Pujara shared his thoughts on the upcoming challenge. He acknowledged that beating England in their home conditions is never easy but believes that Team India has a strong chance of success.

“Playing in England is always challenging because of the conditions. However, after James Anderson’s retirement, England’s bowling attack has weakened significantly. Stuart Broad is also no longer part of the team, which gives India an edge. This is a golden opportunity for India to secure a Test series win in England.”

Pujara, who has extensive experience playing in England, emphasized the importance of adapting to seaming conditions and countering England’s new-generation bowlers.

Will Pujara Get a Recall for the England Series?

With India looking for stability in their Test middle order, there are growing discussions about whether Pujara should be given another opportunity. His ability to bat long hours and anchor the innings could be invaluable, especially in English conditions where batting can be tricky.

India’s recent Test selections have leaned toward younger players, but Pujara’s experience could be a crucial factor in tough overseas tours. If he continues his impressive form in domestic cricket, selectors might be tempted to bring him back into the fold.

Pujara’s County Stint – A Key to His Comeback?

Over the past few years, Pujara has been actively playing county cricket in England, where he has amassed significant runs. His performances for Sussex have proven his ability to score big runs in challenging conditions.

His experience in county cricket could be a deciding factor in his recall, as India would benefit from a player who understands English conditions and can guide the younger batsmen.

Cheteshwar Pujara remains one of the most disciplined and dedicated cricketers in India’s Test setup. His desire to make a comeback, his confidence in India’s Test dominance, and his insights into England’s vulnerabilities make him a strong candidate for future selection. Whether or not he gets another opportunity, Pujara’s contributions to Indian cricket are undeniable, and fans will be eager to see if he can script a fairytale return to the national squad.