Cheteshwar Pujara's 'Approach' After Getting Dropped Is A Subtle Message To Selectors

One of India's finest Test batters of his generation, Cheteshwar Pujara, continues to knock of the national team's doors after being dropped. While a few others like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer haven't cemented their spots in the team, Pujara continues to pile runs in the Ranji Trophy, making the selectors' heads turn. But, it isn't always easy to focus on the task at hand when a player has been dropped from the national team. But, for Pujara, it's his passion that continues to drive him.

Pujara, a veteran of 103 Tests for India, is already 36, an age where making a comeback to the national team could be deemed tough by many. But, the motivation that the Saurashtra player has, knows no bounds.

In an interview, Pujara was asked how he prepared himself for the Ranji Trophy after getting dropped from the Indian team. His response is a message to selectors in itself.

"By playing a competitive club match in Mumbai just before the Ranji season. I just love this game. I am passionate about it. I got a hundred in that match against Dhawal Kulkarni, Sandeep Sharma, Shams Mulani and Shivam Dube. My club team was weaker against the opposition. So, I wanted to ensure I put my best foot forward and we won the match," Pujara told Hindustan Times.

"I am saying this because that's exactly why I play for Saurashtra. I want us to qualify for the Ranji knockouts. It's about having the same passion whether it is Saurashtra, Sussex or my club. Obviously, there is different pride playing for the country. But you keep continuing the hard work. Try and follow the same routine," he added.

When asked if playing domestic competitions gets tougher after witnessing the peak of international cricket, Pujara was once again spot-on with his answer.

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