'Novak Djokovic Said 35 Is The New 25..': Cheteshwar Pujara Refuses To Quit, India Comeback Still Top Priority

‘novak djokovic said 35 is the new 25..’: cheteshwar pujara refuses to quit, india comeback still top priority

After a series of injuries to key players and India’s shambolic batting display in the ongoing Test series vs England, speculations were rife that India may recall veteran Cheteshwar Pujara in the squad for the final three Tests. Pujara has been piling on runs in the Ranji Trophy 2024, having scored 673 runs, including two centuries. However, the BCCI did not fall back on the ace batter and instead opted for the likes of Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar.

Pujara, who last played for India in the WTC final in 2023, said that he is far from over and there is plenty of cricket left in him.

“The way I have been batting and keeping up with my fitness, I am very confident. Scoring runs in Ranji Trophy is not a piece of cake, even though people may want to say it. There is no DRS and decisions don’t always go your way. To keep scoring one has to work hard and be at the top of the game. I hope I will be able to continue to contribute at whichever level I get an opportunity,” Pujara said to Hindustan Times.

Related News |

Cheteshwar Pujara Shines With Ranji Trophy Hundred Ahead Of India’s Squad Announcement For England Tests

Cheteshwar Pujara Shines With Ranji Trophy Hundred Ahead Of India’s Squad Announcement For England Tests

‘Let’s Wait And Watch If..’, Ravichandran Ashwin’s Special Request For Out-Of-Favour Cheteshwar Pujara

‘Let’s Wait And Watch If..’, Ravichandran Ashwin’s Special Request For Out-Of-Favour Cheteshwar Pujara

The 36-year-old was quizzed if age can be a hurdle in his return to the Indian team, however, the gritty batter cited the examples of James Anderson and Novak Djokovic and said that age is no bar if the players can maintain fitness,

“I genuinely feel that age is just a number (he just turned 36). You have the example of James Anderson who is bowling fast at 41 and is still England’s best bowler. Novak Djokovic recently said that 35 is the new 25. Dynamics of the game is changing and players are getting fitter. I don’t think age is any longer a barrier. Particularly for players who play only one format, which I think has helped me immensely. If I am playing only Tests, I can maintain my body better. You just have to keep working on fitness. That holds true even if you are a 25-year-old,” he added.