Experienced Indian bowler Ravichandran Ashwin is eagerly anticipating an invitation to dine with his teammate Cheteshwar Pujara. The upcoming 3rd Test match between India and England will take place in Rajkot, which happens to be Pujara’s hometown. However, Pujara himself will not be participating in the Test match, as he is currently not part of the Indian team’s roster. The squad for the final three Tests was announced on Saturday, February 10th, and Pujara was not included.
Both the Indian and English cricket teams are currently enjoying a 10-day break between the 2nd and 3rd Tests. With the series tied at 1-1, the upcoming Test match in Rajkot holds significant importance for both teams as the series progresses.
“The Indian players have gone back home and will be reuniting for the next Test match in Rajkot. Rajkot is the home of Cheteshwar Pujara. A certified Indian legend who recently concluded his 100 Test matches. We’ll be playing in his place. Ravindra Jadeja, Saurashtra. The Rajkot stadium is his home ground, but he is from Jamnagar. Let’s wait and watch if Cheteshwar Pujara invites everyone to his home for dinner,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
During the 2016 Test series against England, Pujara hosted a special dinner for the entire team at his home in Rajkot, following the draw in the first Test held there. However, in the current series, Pujara was not selected for India’s five-match Test series squad. He has not been part of the national Test team since the World Test Championship final in July 2023. Shubman Gill has taken over Pujara’s No. 3 position, and despite initial struggles, Gill eventually scored a century in Vizag, helping India level the series.
Meanwhile, Pujara has been in fine form during the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 season, consistently scoring runs. He kicked off the season with a double century against Jharkhand and has maintained his performance with scores of 243*, 49, 43, 43, 66, 91, 3, 0, and 110. Pujara’s impressive display indicates his continued determination to represent India.
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