'If the team needs me, I am definitely ready' - Cheteshwar Pujara sends strong message to selectors ahead of England tour

Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has sent a strong message to the selectors ahead of India's five-match Test series against England from June-August. With India looking to bounce back from a horrible home series loss against New Zealand followed by an away series loss to Australia, the tour will be a pivotal and important challenge for captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. 

Pujara has expressed his willingness to return to the national team if given a chance again to perform. The seasoned batter emphasized his persistent performances in county and domestic cricket, highlighting his desire to represent India again. 

"As a cricketer, you always want to play for the Indian team. And I am doing whatever I can to achieve that success. If the team needs me, I’m definitely ready. I’ve been playing domestic cricket and county cricket for the last couple of years, scoring heavily. So, if given an opportunity, I’ll be more than ready to grab it with both hands," said Pujara to Revsportz.

Pujara was last seen playing for India in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia. Regardless of being overlooked for the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he believed his presence and contribution could have helped India to secure a third consecutive Test series win in Australia. 

"Yes, I was very confident. If I was there, then we wanted to make a hat-trick. So I wouldn't deny that."

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Looking forward to the England series, Pujara approved the challenges of playing in their conditions but remained optimistic about India's opportunities to win. He pointed out that England's bowling attack has turned weak following the retirement of James Anderson and the absence of Stuart Broad. 

"This Indian team definitely has a very good chance. Even if you look at the England bowling lineup, they are slightly weaker after Anderson has retired, and Stuart Broad is not there anymore in the playing XI," he added. 

With his wealth of experience and proven track record in Test cricket, Pujara’s comments underline his determination to make a comeback and contribute to India’s success on the international stage.