Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was named in the racial abuse controversy happening in England county cricket. A former employee of the county team, Taj Butt had revealed that every "person of color" was called 'Steve' in Yorkshire, even Pujara.
However, Pujara in an interview with NDTV, revealed that he never felt racially abused while playing for Yorkshire. "I never felt I was racially abused. I had a wonderful time playing for Yorkshire. I am not sure if that name 'Steve' was used for me in that manner. A friend over there had a hard time pronouncing my name," Pujara said.
Further in the interview, Pujara spoke about the recent Test series win over Australia in their own backyard.
"Great country to play cricket. Australia is a very competitive team. Our guys showed a lot of character and grit. It was very difficult to accept our low score in Adelaide. We took the rest of the series as a three-match series. The turnaround happened in Melbourne. Once we won in Melbourne and the series was 1-1, we knew we had a chance of winning the series,” he said.
Now shifting focus on the upcoming England Test series at home, with the first of the four Tests starting on February 5 in Chennai.
"Looking forward to the England series. Most important aspect is to qualify for the World Test Championship final. The guys are aiming for that. They play good cricket in India. They have done well in Sri Lanka as well. We can't take them lightly," said Pujara.
He further talked about the injuries he suffered during the Australia tour and his ambitions of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Harbhajan Singh says he will always pick Cheteshwar Pujara in his all-time XI
"There is a little bit of blood clot on the shoulder but it's all settled, now. I have recovered well. You have all the protection when you are wearing the helmet. But the one I got hit on the finger was really painful. That was the toughest blow.
I thought my finger was broken. I was first hit on my finger during the nets session in Melbourne. I carried that niggle to Sydney. But when I was hit on the same finger in Brisbane, it was unbearable," said India's batting star.
"Definitely want to be part of the IPL. Given an opportunity, I am confident I'll be able to do well," said the 33-year-old.
(NDTV inputs)
