Cheteshwar Pujara, the Indian cricketer not playing at his best right now, assures us plenty of exciting performances to come. He illustrates this through the challenges, even in scoring runs, in the Ranji Trophy.
At 36, he’s not seen the Indian Test squad since last year’s WTC final with Australia. Yet, Pujara remains unswayed. He’s been racking up runs for Saurashtra in the present Ranji Trophy season.
In a recent interview, Cheteshwar Pujara was questioned about his conviction in playing for much longer and stated, as cited by the 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.”
Cheteshwar Pujara
The experienced hitter also believed age was only a number, citing examples from former greats.
“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.”
Cheteshwar Pujara
Pujara has amassed 673 runs in six Ranji matches this season, with a remarkable average of 74.77 and two hundreds, including a best score of 243* against Jharkhand.
His actions secured Saurashtra a potential spot in the knockouts. They’re third in Group A, boasting 22 points over six games.
“I don’t think age is any longer a barrier” – Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara remarked, age doesn’t matter in player’s fitness. Specifically, those like him playing only one format.
With over ten years of success in the game, the 36-year-old has scored over 7,000 runs in his career. These consist of 19 centuries, achieved in 103 Tests with a 43.60 average.
“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.”
“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.”
Cheteshwar Pujara
Despite many injuries in the Indian Test batting order, Pujara has not been considered for inclusion in the current England series, with the think tank focusing on younger players.
The victorious batter will next compete in Saurashtra’s last group-stage game against Manipur on Friday, February 16.