Cheteshwar Pujara on India Comeback: ‘The Hunger Is Even More’

Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara remains determined to make a Test comeback, emphasizing his hunger for runs and hard work.

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Pujara Still Eyes India Comeback, Says ‘The Hunger Is Even More’

Kolkata, March 8 – Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed his strong desire to return to the Test squad for India’s tour of England later this year, stating that his hunger for success is stronger than ever.

Speaking at the Trailblazers 3.0 Conclave organized by RevSportz in Kolkata, Pujara, who last played for India in the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023, reaffirmed his commitment to the longest format of the game.

“I am playing domestic cricket. If given a chance, I am ready to grab it with both hands. The hunger is even more. When you are older, you need to work even harder,” Pujara said during his conversation with journalist Boria Majumdar.

The 37-year-old right-hander has played 103 Tests, accumulating 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His gritty batting style and unwavering determination have earned him a reputation as one of India’s most dependable Test batters.

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Pujara’s Recent Form & England Stats

✔ In the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Pujara scored 402 runs in seven matches at an average of 40.20, including a century (234) and a fifty.
✔ He has also been actively playing County Cricket for Sussex, enhancing his experience in English conditions.
✔ His Test record in England includes 870 runs in 16 matches at an average of 29.00, with one century and five fifties.

Pujara believes that India’s success in England will largely depend on the batting unit’s ability to adapt to the conditions.

“We have the bowling. We need to put runs on the board. And we have the players to do that. We have to respect the bowlers and the conditions. I would not say that we do not have a chance,” he stated.

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Australia – The Toughest Opponent in Tests

Pujara also shared his views on playing against Australia, calling them India’s toughest Test opponent.

“Australia are the toughest when it comes to Test cricket. India never like to lose to Australia. That’s why 2018 was like winning the World Cup. It was the biggest achievement of my Test career. And also, 2020-21, when we repeated history,” he recalled.

His performances in India’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins in 2018-19 and 2020-21 are well remembered:

🔹 2018-19: 521 runs in four matches at 74.42 average with three centuries.
🔹 2020-21: 271 runs in four matches at 33.87 average, including three fifties.

In the Gabba Test of 2021, Pujara endured body blows from Australian pacers, yet held firm, playing a key role in India’s incredible series win.

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India vs New Zealand – Champions Trophy Final Prediction

Shifting focus to the ICC Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand, Pujara backed India to lift the title, stating:

“I think India are favorites to win. We have a strong squad and have played well throughout the tournament.”

On India’s alleged advantage in Dubai, Pujara dismissed the claims:

“I do not think so. The schedule was put out before the start of the tournament. The tournament is being played in a hybrid model because India could not go to Pakistan due to security reasons.”

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What’s Next for Pujara?

✔ Continued performances in domestic cricket to push for a Test recall
✔ Potential return to the Indian Test squad for the England tour (June 2025)
✔ Keeping himself match-ready through County Cricket

With India set to kick off their ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle in England, Pujara remains hopeful that his experience and determination to perform under pressure will earn him another shot at the national team.

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Tags: Cheteshwar Pujara, India vs England, India Test Cricket, ICC World Test Championship, Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India vs Australia, Ranji Trophy 2025, Champions Trophy Final, Team India, BCCI