Cheteshwar Pujara is delighted to be back in the IPL and can’t wait to play alongside MS Dhoni once again.
The 33-year-old India batsman has been handed another opportunity in the world’s top domestic T20 competition after Chennai Super Kings snapped him up at the IPL Auction.
The three-time winners paid Rs 50 lakh for his services in IPL 2021 despite the fact he is better known for his resilient knocks in the Test arena.
He has previously played 30 Indian Premier League matches and scored 390 runs, including one half-century.
However, if he gets selected in the 2021 edition, it will be his first tournament action since 2014.
Speaking on the franchise’s social media channels after his selection, Pujara also underlined how much he is looking forward to wearing the yellow jersey of CSK.
He said: “It’s great to be back in the IPL. Really looking forward to play in the yellow jersey.
“I'll be playing with Dhoni bhai again and he was the captain of the team when I made my debut and I have fond memories of playing under Mahi bhai and really looking forward to play with him again.”
Despite Test cricket being his specialty, Pujara believes he can still have an impact in the shortest form of the game for Chennai.
Pujara Ready to Change Mindset
He added: “Talking about the IPL, I think it is a change of mindset switching from the Test format to the IPL and you just need to switch the gears as early as possible.
“So, I feel it is the mental aspect which changes quickly with good preparation I am really hopeful that I'll do well in the IPL.”
Pujara will at least bring even more experience to the CSK dressing room after veteran Harbhajan Singh was released and the long-serving Shane Watson retired.
Chennai Super Kings also used the auction to bring in England all-rounder Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowtham.
Former RCB player Moeen did feature for England in the second Test in India but has now returned home for a break away from the bio-secure bubble. He is likely to return to play in the T20I series that follows the Test battle currently going on.
