‘He made the selectors surrender in front of him’ – Former Indian player gives an interesting anecdote on Cheteshwar Pujara

Following a slump in form, India batter Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from the team for the home Test series against Sri Lanka earlier this year. However, the veteran cricketer returned for the rescheduled fifth Test against England, having scored a lot of runs in County cricket and on the domestic circuit.

Former India batter Mohammed Kaif praised Pujara, saying the veteran has set a good example for young players by not giving up hope after being dropped. He claimed that the selectors made a mistake by dropping Pujara and that the batter’s performances forced them to concede.

“The way he scored runs after getting dropped, he has set an example for young players on how to make a comeback. He went to play County cricket, he scored centuries in four-day matches and 50-over games, which prompted the selectors to recall him. He made the selectors surrender in front of him,” Kaif told NDTV during an interaction organised by the Sony Sports Network.

You learn with experience and improve: Mohammed Kaif

Kaif also stated that the Indian team requires players like Pujara who can bat on both fast and slow tracks, and that age is just a number for a player of his calibre.

“Age has nothing to do with cricket. It is a skill-based game. It’s not football, where you have to run up and down continuously during the match. In fact, age is a plus point. You learn with experience and improve. Pujara, Kohli and Rohit and prime examples. Test cricket is a skill-based format, you have to play for days and you need experience for that. You need players who can bat on turning, as well as seaming tracks, and you only get better with time. Pujara is a prime example,” he added.

Beginning Wednesday, December 14, India will play Bangladesh in a two-match Test series. Due to a thumb injury, India captain Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the first game. In his absence, KL Rahul will lead the team, with Pujara being the vice-captain.