"Hunger Is Even More" - Pujara Eyeing India Comeback During England Tour

Cheteshwar Pujara, who played the last of his 103 Tests in June 2023, is hungry and wants to be part of India’s squad for the upcoming tour of England later this year. India are scheduled to play five Tests in England between June 20 and August 4.

In the recently concluded Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Pujara played seven games for Saurashtra and scored 402 runs at an average of 40.20, including a double century against Chhattisgarh. 

Pujara also featured in six first-class games for Sussex in the County Championship Division Two 2024 in England, scoring 501 runs across nine innings at a stunning average of 62.62.

“I'm playing domestic cricket. If given a chance, I'm ready to grab it with both hands. The hunger is even more. When you are older, you need to work even harder,” said Pujara at the RevSportz Trailblazers 3.0 Conclave.

Talking about India’s chances in the series, Pujara added: “We have the bowling. We need to put runs on the board. And we have the players to do that. We have to respect the bowling and the conditions. I won't say that we don't have a chance.”

India have struggled big time in the batting department in the last few months, resulting in them getting whitewashed by New Zealand at home and also losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years.

Pujara’s No.3 spot has been given to Shubman Gill, who could only manage 93 runs across five innings at an average of 18.60 in Australia. Meanwhile, Pujara has 993 runs in 11 Tests in Australia @ 47.28 and was instrumental in India winning back-to-back series Down Under.

“Australia are the toughest when it comes to Test cricket. India never like to lose to Australia. That's why 2018 was like winning the World Cup. It was the biggest achievement of my Test career. And also, 2020-21, when we repeated history.”

Pujara also spoke about India playing all their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fixtures, including the knockouts, in Dubai. The 37-year-old brushed aside India's ‘home advantage’ debate in Dubai. 

“I don't think so. The schedule was put out before the start of the tournament. The tournament is being played in a hybrid model because India couldn't go to Pakistan due to security reasons.”

India will play New Zealand in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on March 9 (Sunday).