"The hunger is even more.." Cheteshwar Pujara hopeful of making test comeback for England tour

Cheteshwar Pujara last played a test match for India in 2023.

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s best test batters of the last decade, has remained out of favor with the team since June 2023.

His last appearance in national colors was when India played Australia in the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 in June 2023.

The 37-year-old, who has scored 7,195 runs in 103 tests at an average of 43.60, has continued to excel in the Ranji Trophy. With India’s next red-ball assignment still three months away, Pujara has now expressed that he is “hungry” for a test comeback.

Cheteshwar Pujara hopeful of making comeback in team India for England tour

Speaking to RevSportz, Pujara expressed his desire to make a comeback in the Indian test team. Despite turning 37, the Saurashtra batter said that his hunger to return in the team is even more.

Pujara said, “I’m playing domestic cricket. If given a chance, I’m ready to grab it with both hands. The hunger is even more. When you are older, you need to work even harder.“

Considering the struggles of the Indian batting order in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, selectors may opt for Pujara to provide stability. However, his numbers in England have been far from convincing.

The former India No. 3 has scored only 870 runs in 32 outings in England, at an average of 29. His only century there came in Southampton in 2018.

India tour of England 2025 fixtures:

Jun 20, Fri – Jun 24, Tue – England vs India, 1st test, Headingley, Leeds

Jul 02, Wed – Jul 06, Sun – England vs India, 2nd test, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Jul 10, Thu – Jul 14, Mon – England vs India, 3rd test, Lord’s, London

Jul 23, Wed – Jul 27, Sun – England vs India, 4th test, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

Jul 31, Thu – Aug 04, Mon – England vs India, 5th test, Kennington Oval, London

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