Senior batter Cheteshwar Pujara has made an inspiring comeback to the Indian Test team for upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The first match of the two-match Test series between India and Bangladesh will be played from 14th December, Wednesday. Earlier this year, Pujara was dropped from the Test squad for home series against Sri Lanka, due to his poor form. The veteran batter proved the Indian selectors wrong by producing a string of impressive performances in county cricket and domestic tournaments, ultimately securing a place in the Indian team.
Lauding Cheteshwar Pujara, former India player Mohammed Kaif said that the experienced batter has set an example for young players as he 'did not give up hope'. Kaif said the selectors made a mistake by dropping Pujara, adding that the Test specialist forced them to 'surrender' with his performances.
"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," the former Indian batter told NDTV during an interaction organised by the Sony Sports Network.
"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," Kaif said as quoted by the media house.
He further stated, "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."