'I am prepared from my end' – Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on Test comeback hopes

‘I am prepared from my end’ – Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on Test comeback hopes (Source -Twitter/X)

The preparation for Test cricket will begin straight after the  (IPL 2025), with one of the upcoming tours to be played against England. There is a great deal of curiosity among fans as to whether senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara might be making a comeback in the red-ball format.

has been one of India’s finest Test cricketers, having played 103 matches and scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. Despite his strong performances in the domestic circuit, it seems the top-order batter is still being overlooked in the format.

Nevertheless, the 37-year-old appears to still have aspirations of returning to the Test side. Pujara has also spoken about the effort he is putting into his game and hopes to seize the opportunity to play in the upcoming England series, should he be selected for the five-match tour.

“When one has been successful at the highest level and played more than 100 Tests and is still not a part of the team, you carry on the hard work that has been the reason behind getting the success. Not getting the opportunity is a big disappointment, but I keep myself ready and motivated because of my love for this game. And out of that love, I keep myself close to the game and routine without expecting much and through any opportunity I get, be it domestic or county," Pujara said while speaking to RevSportz.

‘I’m prepared if the team needs me’ – Pujara eyes Test comeback for England tour

Furthermore, Cheteshwar Pujara also revealed that he was fully prepared to take up the international challenges despite being away from the action and the Indian team for a long time. Notably, Pujara only plays Test cricket and remains away from white-ball international cricket. He said that whether or not he was playing in Team India, it is out of sheer love for the game that he maintains his strict regime to keep up with the demands of the longest format. Hence, for the upcoming England tour, if he gets recalled, he would be more than eager to step onto the ground.

“Yes, of course, if the team needs me and I get the opportunity, I am prepared from my end. I have been working on my physical fitness and performing well both domestically and internationally. Team India has been quite competitive but has not won a series in England for around 20 years now, so given an opportunity, I would like to give my best and grab the opportunity if the team needs me," the Gabba hero concluded.