‘I hope to carry on from here’ - Skipper Cheteshwar Pujara ecstatic following fabulous ton for Sussex in County Championship

The newly appointed Sussex captain and veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has started off the County Championship season with a fabulous century against Durham. The 35-year-old was recently named the interim captain of Sussex after the regular skipper, Tom Haines, broke a bone in his hand while batting against Leicestershire.

Playing for Sussex, Pujara scored his sixth century for the team, scoring a brilliant 115 in 163 deliveries. Being away from the Indian Premier League (IPL) action, Pujara has been competing in the English county circuit to prepare himself better for the upcoming World Test Championship final, where India take on Australia at The Oval, and the match is scheduled to begin on June 7, 2023.

Following his sensational knock, Pujara came forward to talk about his innings. The veteran batter hopes that he continues the season with similar performances in the upcoming games as well.

"As a batter, when you start well, you feel confident. I hope to carry on from here and keep scoring runs throughout the season, It was an important knock for the team as well. We could still have batted a bit better, but we are still not too far behind," Pujara said in a video posted by Sussex.

I'm really happy with the way things went: Pujara

Opening up further about the same, Pujara reflected on the fact that a good start to the game was important, and after losing early wickets, a partnership was necessary at the point when he came in to bat.

"I love batting on this pitch. It's important to get a good start. I'm really happy with the way things went. We needed some partnerships; at one point, we were in a spot of bother when we lost four wickets for 91. So that partnership was important. Some of them were unfortunate and soft dismissals. I've already spoken to the guys. If we get good start we can chase it down," Pujara said.

Being the highest run-scorer in the championship for Sussex in the previous season, Pujara has gotten off to the best of starts in 2023 as well. The 35-year-old is on course to clinch the top-scorer accolade once again.