Cheteshwar Pujara’s comeback into Test cricket after being dropped from the side earlier this year was rewarded as he won the Player of the Series award as India won the 2-match Test series against Bangladesh 2-0 with a tense 3-wicket win in the second Test in Mirpur, Dhaka on December 25, 2022.
Pujara had scored his first century since 2019 in the first Test in Chattogram adding to his 90 runs in the first innings. Though in the second Test, he managed scores of 24 and 6 runs, Pujara showed that he was back and his experience also helped KL Rahul in his captaincy, given that the Saurashtra batter was the vice-captain for this series.
Talking to the broadcasters after the match, Pujara credited playing FC cricket and county cricket to helping him stay in touch with the game as being only a one-format player for India, he gets to play Tests after a huge gap each time.
“It's been a great competitive series. I have been working hard on my game. Played a lot of First-class cricket and then worked a lot on my game, that's what helped me score these runs. Sometimes, there is enough gap between Test matches, it helps you prepare. I think playing First-class cricket is really important for improving. You need to be mentally prepared and I believe that if you are strong mentally, and prepare well, you'll be good,” Pujara said.
Pujara is now expected to be seen playing for India when Australia visits the shores for the four-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February-March 2023.
With a points percentage of 58.93, India, captained by KL Rahul, is placed second below Australia, who have a points percentage of 76.92.
(Sony Sports inputs)
