Harbhajan Singh hails Cheteshwar Pujara’s phenomenal record outside India

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has praised veteran middle-order batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, citing that he has been stunning with the bat for India while they are playing matches outside India. However, Pujara was dropped from the Test squad for the home series against Sri Lanka after poor performances. 

But, the veteran used his time quite well and impressed in the County Championship for Sussex. As a result, Pujara has been rewarded with a call-up to the Test team for the rescheduled fifth and final Test against England, which will take place on July 1.

During a discussion with Sportskeeda, the veteran praised Pujara for his involvement in the County games and for making the most of his time there. However, the bowling legend has also pointed out that, at times, his contributions to the team in the middle order have gone unnoticed.

“He has been playing continuously in English conditions. Though you might say that in County cricket, the quality of bowlers is not like in international cricket, yes in county cricket also you encounter one or two bowlers, who play international cricket. It’s good to see Pujara picked this option to go and play County. He was in good form there. His contribution has always been there. When we went to Australia, he had a big contribution though people talk less about him,” said Harbhajan Singh.

The former Indian spinner added that no one has done a better job in England than Pujara, and he has made life easier for his fellow batters. 

“In England also whenever there is need to take the shine off the ball, to score runs and to hold one end, nobody has done the job better than Pujara. Talwar unke upar latak gayi thi. It was like ‘Drop him, others are playing alright’ which I thought was wrong. Pujara has been phenomenal for Team India when it comes to touring abroad because he doesn’t get out, he makes it easier for others, he takes the shine off the ball. That’s the reason India have won so many games abroad,” Harbhajan Singh said.