Whether veteran players like Cheteshwar Pujara are returning to the red-ball format is a topic of much interest among fans. One of the forthcoming tours will be against England, and Test cricket preparations will start immediately following the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025).
One of India’s best Test cricketers, Cheteshwar Pujara has participated in 103 games and amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. The top-order batsman appears to still be underutilised in the format, despite his impressive domestic circuit achievements.
The 37-year-old seems to still have hopes of playing for the Test team, though. If chosen for the five-match trip, Pujara has also talked about the effort he is making in his game and expects to take advantage of the chance to play in the forthcoming England series.
“You continue the hard work that has led to your achievement after you have achieved the highest level of success and played more than 100 Test matches and are still not a member of the squad. It is so disappointing not to get the chance, but because I adore this game, I keep myself prepared and inspired. In an interview with RevSportz, Cheteshwar Pujara stated, “And because 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.”
“If the team needs me, I’m ready,” Cheteshwar Pujara eyes Return to the Tests for the England trip
In addition, Cheteshwar Pujara stated that even though he had been away from the action and the Indian squad for a while, he was ready to take on the international challenges. Notably, Cheteshwar Pujara does not participate in white-ball international cricket; he only plays Test cricket. He claimed that his intense devotion to the game is the reason he upholds his rigorous regimen to meet the demands of the longest format, regardless of whether he is playing for Team India. He would therefore be more than happy to take the field for the forthcoming England tour, should he be called up.
“Yes, without a doubt. I am ready on my end if the team needs me and I am given the chance. I’ve been trying to get more physically active and doing well both at home and abroad. The Gabba hero added, “Given an opportunity, I would like to give my all and grasp the opportunity if the team needs me. Team India has been quite competitive, but they haven’t won a series in England in about 20 years.