Despite being out of favour in the Indian Test squad since the World Test Championship final last year, Cheteshwar Pujara remains confident about having ample cricket ahead. He highlights the challenges of scoring runs, even in the Ranji Trophy, and continues to perform consistently for Saurashtra in the ongoing season.
In a recent interview, when questioned about his confidence in continuing to play for an extended period, Pujara stated as quoted by Hindustan Times:
“Definitely. The way I have been batting and keeping up with my fitness, I am very confident. Scoring runs in Ranji Trophy is not a piece of cake, even though people may want to say it.”
“There is no DRS and decisions don’t always go your way. To keep scoring one has to work hard and be at the top of the game. I hope I will be able to continue to contribute at whichever level I get an opportunity.”
The experienced batsman expressed that age is just a number, citing examples of other cricket legends.
“I genuinely feel that age is just a number. You have the example of James Anderson who is bowling fast at 41 and is still England’s best bowler. Novak Djokovic recently said that 35 is the new 25,” added Pujara.
Pujara has amassed 673 runs in six appearances during the current Ranji season, boasting an impressive average of 74.77. This includes two centuries, with a top score of 243* against Jharkhand.
His stellar performances have propelled Saurashtra to third place in Group A with 22 points in six games, keeping them in contention for a spot in the knockout stage.
“I believe age is no longer a limitation”- Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara emphasized that age doesn’t matter much for players focusing on a specific format like him, emphasizing the importance of fitness. In his distinguished 13-year career, the 36-year-old has accumulated over 7,000 runs, featuring 19 centuries in 103 Tests, with an average of 43.60.
“Dynamics of the game are changing and players are getting fitter. I don’t think age is any longer a barrier. Particularly for players who play only one format, which I think has helped me immensely.”
”If I am playing only Tests, I can maintain my body better. You just have to keep working on fitness. That holds true even if you are a 25-year-old,” said Pujara.
“For a cricketer, new peaks keep coming. It’s about working on your game, refining it. For the last one-and-half years, I have been working on my sweep shots, my reverse sweep as well as lofted shots,” he added.
Despite numerous injuries in the Indian Test batting lineup, Pujara has not been included in the squad for the ongoing England series, with the team opting for younger players. The seasoned batsman is set to play his next match during Saurashtra’s final group-stage fixture against Manipur, commencing on Friday, February 16.
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