India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara who was picked by Chennai Super Kings (CSK)  in the IPL 2021 auction held in February said that he feels for the right-hand batsman Hanuma Vihari who could not find any takers in the auction.

“Last few years I'm the only one who has been missing out on playing in the IPL from the Indian team. The only guy missing out at this stage is Hanuma Vihari. I feel for him. He was previously part of the IPL. I feel that he should also be part of the IPL,” Pujara told ESPNcricinfo.

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The right-hand batsman is extremely pleased that he is back in the Indian Premier League (IPL) again.

“When it's IPL you want to be part of it. It is one of the best leagues in the world. Yes, playing for the Indian team is a different thing entirely, but when it comes to being part of the IPL, any cricketer would want to be part of it. I am no exception,” he said.

Pujara was a part of the Indian team that won their second consecutive Test series down under in 2020-21, felt really good after his efforts were appreciated by all the franchises who clapped in the auction room after he was picked by CSK.

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“I'm really pleased that what I've done for the Indian team is noticed and I got results for that. I was told when I was picked, all the franchises clapped in the auction room. I feel that when you are doing something for the Indian team, people love it, they know the value I bring in,” the 33-year-old said.

The Chennai-based franchise will begin their IPL 2021 campaign on 10 April against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

(With ESPNcricinfo inputs)