The experienced Cheteshwar Pujara said that he still dreams to be a part of the Indian Test team but stated that he does not have any regrets over his career. “I won’t mind if I get an opportunity (to play for India again), but definitely, yes, at this stage I am someone who likes to be at present,” Pujara said during an online interaction organised by Sony Sports Network.
“If I get an opportunity to represent the country, nothing like it, that will be the best thing. But at the same time I am someone who is at peace, who likes to be in the present and carry on doing what I do. The career so far has been fantastic, I don’t have any regrets,” he added.
The 37-year-old last played a Test match for India during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in June, 2023. He has 7195 runs from 103 Tests at an average of 43.60.
“I enjoy my cricket, so as long as I am enjoying my cricket, I will carry on. I do practice, I do work on my fitness. Whatever happens next is something which I can’t control but I always control the things which I can, which is to enjoy the game as long as I am playing, whether at domestic level, club game or county cricket,” he added.
The veteran batter also talked about the challenges new India Test skipper will play when India travel to England for a 5-match Test series next month.
“When you go abroad as a captain, whether you are young or matured, it will be challenging. To start off in England, it won’t be easy for Shubman but it’s a great opportunity for a young player. If he leads well in England it will boost his confidence. The reason he has been given the responsibility ahead of is because we are hearing that Bumrah will not be able to play all five Test matches,” Pujara said.
“So if Shubman has been given the responsibility, the team management and selectors are thinking that he could lead the team for a long time,” he added.
