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[Watch] Cheteshwar Pujara Knocks Red Balls To Kick Off Prep For India Comback In BGT 2024

Cheteshwar Pujara sweats in nets ahead of India's Australia tour (@79off201/X.com)Cheteshwar Pujara sweats in nets ahead of India's Australia tour (@79off201/X.com)

India's dependable middle order batter, Cheteshwar Pujara has begun his preparations for a potential return to the Indian team ahead of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia scheduled for next month. In a motivational social media video, Pujara sweated out in the nets to practise with a red ball.

Having been India's mainstay in Tests for over a decade, Cheteshwar Pujara's preparation comes at a crucial time as India will look to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The five-game Test series begins from November 22 at Perth with India's squad yet to be finalised.

Having said that, Pujara last played for India during the World Test Championship finals against Australia in 2023. Due to his inconsistency and inflow of young players, Pujara lost his place in the red ball squad. 

Cheteshwar gearing up for India's comeback!

Regardless, the batter never gave up on his India dream. He played County Cricket and Ranji seasons rigorously to stay in contention. Meanwhile, ahead of the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2024-25, Cheteshwar Pujara has begun his preparations. He shared a social media video filled with a motivational background message with Pujara heading to nets to face red balls. 

His intent is more or less clear. He wants to perform and continue knocking on the selection committee's doors. However, whether or not the Ajit Agarkar led committee pays heed to Pujara's intentions of redemption, remains to be seen.

Pujara ignored for County after India snub

Cheteshwar Pujara was earlier left out of the Sussex County Cricket Club contract, with the club opting to sign Australian batter Daniel Hughes for the 2025 season. Pujara, who was a key player for Sussex in recent seasons, will no longer feature in the County Championship. 

Notably, Pujara's stint with Sussex was a success, during which he played several match-winning knocks. However, with this latest development, his future at the County level has shifted, and the club will now look to Hughes to fill the void left by Pujara.