Despite amassing a huge run total in the Ranji Trophy, Cheteswhar Pujara is still not considered by selectors for a position in India’s Test squad.
Cheteshwar Pujara, one of the best Test bats of his generation in India, has been sidelined from the national squad but still knocks on doors. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, among others, haven’t solidified their positions in the team, but Pujara is racking up runs in the Ranji Trophy, turning selectors’ minds. However, when a player gets cut from the national team, it can be difficult to concentrate on the current objective. However, Pujara’s passion is what keeps him going.
Pujara, who has played 103 Test matches for India, is already 36 years old, which many would consider a difficult age to make a return to the national squad. However, the Saurashtra player’s motivation is unbounded.
In an interview, Pujara was questioned about his preparation for the Ranji Trophy following his dismissal from the Indian squad. In and of itself, his reply is a message to selectors.
“By competing in a club match in Mumbai right before the Ranji season began. This game is so much fun for me. It is something I’m very passionate about. Against Dhawal Kulkarni, Sandeep Sharma, Shams Mulani, and Shivam Dube, I scored a hundred runs in that match. Compared to the opposition, my club’s team was weaker. Pujara told some news sources, “I wanted to make sure I gave it my all and we won the match.”
“I play for Saurashtra precisely for that reason, which is why I am stating this. We should make it to the Ranji knockouts, in my opinion. It’s about sharing the same enthusiasm for my club, Saurashtra, or Sussex. Clearly, different pride is involved in representing the nation. But you never stop putting forth the effort. Strive to stick to the same schedule,” he continued.
Pujara was again dead on when asked if competing in home leagues gets harder after seeing the pinnacle of international cricket.
“New heights never cease to appear for a cricketer. It all comes down to honing and perfecting your game. I have been honing my sweep shots, reverse sweep, and lofted shots for the past 1.5 years. In certain Ranji Trophy situations, teams are bowled out for 150–200 and the matches are completed in two and a half days due to difficult surfaces. At that point, it makes no difference how many Test runs you have—10,000 or 100—because you will undoubtedly be eliminated. You then need to use some unconventional shots. It’s working, too. This season, even on challenging pitches, I have seen benefits for myself,” he remarked.
This Ranji Trophy season, the seasoned hitter has already amassed 673 runs at an average of 74.77. His desire to score runs for India is still very much alive.
“Definitely” , With the manner I’ve been hitting and maintaining my fitness, I feel really secure. Despite what some people would want to imply, scoring runs in the Ranji Trophy is not an easy feat. Decisions don’t always go your way and there is no DRS. One needs to be at the top of the game and put in a lot of effort to keep scoring. I’m hoping to be able to keep helping out at whatever capacity I’m given.”
