Cheteshwar Pujara is ready to play a different innings, in what seems like an approaching Twilight of his cricketing career. Having previously not been part of any IPL set up since 2015, the Test stalwart feels that he can now give his best in the shortest format of the game as well if given a chance.
I wasn't confident I will be picked, but I was very confident that given an opportunity I will be successful in this format. I will learn many things and I am very confident that I will become a better player in this format.
The Saurashtra cricketer also feels that people should not judge his T20 playing abilities on the basis of his Test match performances.
Stating that it is not people’s fault that they don’t consider him as a T20 player, Pujara said, “They don't know whether I'm good or not good, because in the last few years I haven't been seen playing T20 cricket.”
“For example, if someone hasn't played any Test cricket in the last four or five years, you can't say he is good or bad because he hasn't played. So just by seeing the way I play in Test cricket, you can't pass judgement about whether I'll be good or not be good at the shorter format,” the Rajkot born added.
When Pujara, 33, was picked by CSK in the IPL auctions, the moment was celebrated by clapping from all the franchises sitting at the table. Talking about that moment and the fact that CSK bought to pay respect to what he has achieved in Test cricket, Pujara said, “I'm really pleased that what I've done for the Indian team is noticed and I got results for that.”
I feel that when you are doing something for the Indian team, people love it, they know the value I bring in. Not just the franchises, almost all my [India] team-mates were really happy for me.
Saying that he has been the only guy in the Indian team missing out in the IPL in recent years, Pujara felt that Hanuma Vihari, who missed out this year, should also be part of some franchise or the other. “The only guy missing out at this stage is Hanuma Vihari. I feel for him. He was previously part of the IPL. I feel that he should also be part of the IPL,” said Pujara.