“I wanted my old rhythm back” – Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on choosing county cricket over IPL 2022

“I wanted my old rhythm back” – Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on choosing county cricket over IPL 2022

Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara has been in and around the Indian Test team for a while. The 34 year old was recalled in the test team for India’s one off test match against England. Having been dropped recently in the Test matches against Sri Lanka at home, has been recalled following his stunning run of form in the County cricket championship in Division 2. Pujara who chose Country cricket over IPL, opened up about his decision.

Speaking to the Indian Express, Pujara said, “You can say that now in hindsight. Had I been picked by an IPL team, there were major chances that I wouldn’t have got any games. I would have just gone (to nets) and practised. Getting match practice and practice in the nets is always different. So when the county thing happened, I just said yes. The major reason I said yes to the county (stint) is that I wanted my old rhythm back.”

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Cheteshwar Pujara has played 30 IPL matches in his career

Test match and IPL are two completely different forms of cricket. One requires grit and flair while the other needs power and aggression. Pujara, being predominately a test player never really broke out in the IPL. Instead, he has always been more involved in the longer formats of the game. In 95 test matches for India, the 34 year old has amassed 6713 runs at an impressive average of 43.88.

What IPL has to offer is not of interest to Pujara. Moreover, with IPL requiring batsman to be more aggressive and tenacious, Pujara’s finesse and defence play would not be helpful in putting runs on the board. On the other hand, Pujara has been exceptionally well in County Cricket in England. With 720 runs in 8 innings, and 4 centuries, test match is what suits Cheteshwar Pujara most.

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