'When a batter is in rhythm, why not take advantage and consider him'- Sunil Gavaskar on Cheteshwar Pujara's Test comeback

After being axed from the India Test squad and a not so eventful Ranji Trophy that saw the defending champions Saurashtra getting knocked out in the group stages, Chesteshwar Pujara decided to make himself available for this year’s entire County Championship season by signing up for Sussex. The move has turned out to be fruitful as Pujara has succeeded in rediscovering his mojo on the 22 yards.

While the Gujarat cricketer has been consistent in the ongoing County season, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar does not seem to be convinced with this and has stated that there is a huge difference between County and Test bowling attacks. At the same time, the 1983 World Cup winner also believes that Cheteshwar Pujara can make a comeback to the Indian red-ball team.

Cheteshwar Puajara has gotten used to batting in English conditions: Sunil Gavaskar

“Yes, it should be kept in mind (for India’s Test match in England). Just last year we saw that before the World Test Championship final, New Zealand played two Test matches in England. Because of that, they got acclimatised to the conditions there and when they got similar conditions in Southampton for the WTC final.

“It was raining. They were used to the condition. This is what is happening to Cheteshwar Pujara. He has gotten used to batting in English conditions, against their bowlers. Yes, there is a huge difference between a County attack and a Test bowling attack, but when a batter is in rhythm, why not take advantage and consider him,” said Gavaskar while speaking to Sports Tak.

Giving further clarification on why the number three batter must be included in India’s playing XI, Sunil Gavaskar added that the senior cricketer has the ability to tire out the bowler as well as hold one end firmly when the situation demands. Furthermore, he added that Pujara’s strike rate is good in County cricket. In the ongoing County Championship, Cheteshwar Pujara has so far amassed 717 runs averaging 143.40 at a strike rate of 61.22 including two double centuries.