Cheteshwar Pujara has no regrets over missing the IPL limelight

Cheteshwar Pujara is arguably the most technically sound batsman in the Indian cricket team at the moment. The Saurashtra batsman is the middle-order mainstay for India in the longest format of the game. In the previous home season of Indian cricket, Pujara had struck runs at will against all the oppositions in the 13 Tests that he played. Needless to cite why even the Indian skipper Virat Kohli rates Cheteshwar Pujara as the best batsman in the lineup.

However, things have not been on the same merry note for Pujara in limited overs cricket. He went unsold earlier this year in the IPL auctions as well. Many believe that his game of play is not suited for the shortest format. Since Pujara was not a part of the IPL this year, he opted to play County cricket in the meantime.

The fans would feel that Pujara lost out on the much deserved fame and limelight that other cricketers get in the IPL. However, if the man himself is to be believed, Pujara has no regrets. In a recent conversation with Yahoo, Cheteshwar Pujara conceded that he is not concerned about anything other than his game.

“My priority is always to improve as a cricketer and win matches for the team whenever I get a chance. I am not much bothered about what is happening outside my cricketing zone. I have seen cricketers outside India – people do not even recognize them. Only in India are cricketers given so much importance, but at times you do not even get the privacy you want to go out with your family,” said Cheteshwar Pujara.

On his County experience

Recalling his time with the Nottinghamshire in the County Championships this year, Pujara noted that he had a great time. Playing with international players of England was a learning experience. Moreover, the atmosphere of the new side was something that Pujara enjoyed the most.

“I really enjoyed playing county cricket this year. I have played in the past but this year I played for a different team, Nottinghamshire. It was a new dressing room environment. There were a lot of players there who have played for England – Stuart Broad, Samit Patel and others. It was overall a very good experience,” conceded Pujara.