Cheteshwar Pujara, once a key player for India’s Test team, has not played for the national side for over a year, last appearing in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023. The seasoned number three batsman, who scored 7,195 runs with an average of 43.60, expressed a strong desire to return to international cricket despite being 37. Currently playing domestic cricket, he emphasized his determination, stating, “the hunger is even more.” Pujara was instrumental in India’s historic Test series victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21 but was overlooked for recent series as the team sought new options.
Once an integral part of India’s Test batting lineup, Cheteshwar Pujara has been out of favor for nearly a year and nine months. His last appearance in the national team was during India’s match against Australia in the World Test Championship final in June 2023. Since that time, the right-handed batsman has been unsuccessful in securing a spot on the team. Pujara, who played a crucial role at number 3 for many years, amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties. However, following his exclusion, the team began exploring options beyond him.
Despite this, Pujara remains active in domestic cricket and recently shared his aspirations for a comeback to the Indian national team in an interview with RevSportz. He stated that his “hunger” for a return is even stronger, despite approaching 37 years of age.
“I’m playing domestic cricket. If given an opportunity, I’m ready to seize it with both hands. The hunger is even greater. As you age, you need to work even harder,” Pujara expressed.
Pujara was the leading run-scorer during India’s historic 2-1 Test series triumph in Australia in 2018-19, accumulating 521 runs across four matches at an impressive average of 74.42. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time India had won a Test series on Australian soil. He was also part of the Indian squad that achieved the same feat with a 2-1 win in the 2020-21 series Down Under.
“Australia are the toughest opponents in Test cricket. India never likes to lose to Australia. Therefore, 2018 felt like winning the World Cup. It was the pinnacle of my Test career. Also, achieving it again in 2020-21 was special,” Pujara reflected.
India aimed for a hat-trick of victories in Australia but fell short, losing the 2024-25 Test series 3-1. The team opted to bring in Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul for the number 3 position instead of Pujara, but none were able to make a significant impact.
India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) Final were dashed after suffering a six-wicket defeat to Australia in the fifth Test in Sydney this January. With this victory, Australia secured the five-match series, having previously won in Adelaide and Melbourne. India managed to win the first match in Perth, while the third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw.
While India missed their chance at a WTC final appearance, Australia qualified for the clash against South Africa, having already secured their place.
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