Cheteshwar Pujara Gears Up for Ranji Trophy, Eyes India Return

Cheteshwar Pujara, the veteran Indian batter, is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations for the upcoming 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. In a video shared on social media, the 36-year-old was seen honing his skills in the nets, accompanied by the caption, "Never stand still."

Pujara, who has been out of the Indian team for over a year, will be eager to make a strong case for a national recall with a standout domestic season. His last competitive appearance was in May this year for Sussex in the County Championship, where he scored a patient 129 off 302 balls against Middlesex.

Having last featured for India in the 2021-23 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023, Pujara's international form has been under scrutiny. In that match, he scored 14 and 27 in India’s 209-run defeat, leading to his exclusion from the national side.

As Saurashtra prepare to launch their Ranji Trophy campaign against Tamil Nadu on October 11, Pujara will be a key figure for the side. Known for his grit and determination, he will be looking to capitalize on the domestic platform to regain his spot in India's Test squad.

Pujara’s career statistics speak volumes of his importance to Indian cricket. In 103 Tests, he has accumulated 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His experience and hunger for runs make him one of the most dependable batters in Indian cricket, and a successful Ranji Trophy season could open the door for his return to the national team.

Pujara's return to form will be crucial for India's Test ambitions. With the World Test Championship final scheduled for June 2025, the team will need all their experienced players to perform at their best. Pujara's ability to grind out runs and anchor the innings will be invaluable in the challenging conditions that await them.

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