IPL 2021: “Feel for him” – Cheteshwar Pujara says Hanuma Vihari should have been picked in the IPL

IPL 2021: “Feel for him” – Cheteshwar Pujara says Hanuma Vihari should have been picked in the IPL

Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari

Cheteshwar Pujara was picked in the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2021 season for his base price of Rs. 50 lakhs by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise. His acquisition was greeted with cheers across the room as a mark of respect and recognition for the Indian red-ball cricket expert’s contributions to the national team in Australia and throughout his career as well as well as for CSK’s decision to pick him.

Another player who is a part of the Indian test team and didn’t get picked was Hanuma Vihari who had entered the auction at a base price of Rs. 1 lakh. Although his name went under the hammer twice, he did not find any takers becoming arguably the most high-profile Indian player to go unsold at the auction. Now, Pujara has expressed his disappointment at the fact that the faith shown in him was not shown in Vihari by other franchises.

Cheteshwar Pujara speaks on the upcoming IPL season

Cheteshwar Pujara (Photo - CSK)
Cheteshwar Pujara (Photo – CSK)

Cheteshwar Pujara spoke to ESPNcricinfo about getting picked in the auction and said, “Absolutely. I’m really pleased that what I’ve done for the Indian team is noticed and I got results for that. I was told when I was picked, all the franchises clapped in the auction room. I feel that when you are doing something for the Indian team, people love it, they know the value I bring in. Not just the franchises, almost all my India team-mates were really happy for me. Last few years I’m the only one who has been missing out on playing in the IPL from the Indian team.”

Speaking about Hanuma Vihari not getting picked, Pujara said, “The only guy missing out at this stage is Hanuma Vihari. I feel for him. He was previously part of the IPL. I feel that he should also be part of the IPL.”

“And when it’s IPL you want to be part of it. It is one of the best leagues in the world. Yes, playing for the Indian team is a different thing entirely, but when it comes to being part of the IPL, any cricketer would want to be part of it. I am no exception,” Pujara added.

Pujara’s CSK begin their IPL campaign against the Delhi Capitals on the 10th of April.

Also Read: IPL 2021: COVID-19 adds to CSK’s woes as struggle to find Josh Hazlewood’s replacement continues

Also Read: IPL 2021: Kolkata Knight Riders sign Gurkeerat Singh Mann as replacement for injured Rinku Singh