Pujara Open to England Tour Call-Up After Gambhir’s Phone Call Snub
Cheteshwar Pujara Breaks Silence on Gautam Gambhir’s Phone Call
Indian cricket veteran Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed his readiness to join the national team for the upcoming England tour if given the opportunity. The 103-Test veteran made these comments during a recent interview with Lallantop, when asked if Gautam Gambhir had reached out to him regarding the England tour.
No Phone Call from Gambhir Yet
“No, not yet,” Pujara replied when asked if he had received a phone call from Gambhir. Despite this, Pujara emphasized his eagerness to represent India again, stating, “I am ready. I don’t know if they will take me or not. But if I get a chance, yes, it will be an honour to represent the country again.”
India’s In-Experienced Team for England Tour
The Indian Test team, now led by 25-year-old Shubman Gill, is set to face a stern challenge in English conditions. The squad, announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, features several new faces, including maiden Test call-ups for B Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh. The team is widely regarded as one of the most inexperienced to tour England in recent memory.
Key Absences and Leadership
India’s batting line-up appears notably depleted without the presence of retired stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Star pacer Mohammed Shami will also miss the series due to fitness issues. Rishabh Pant has been appointed as Gill’s deputy, with Agarkar citing Pant’s exceptional batting skills and wicket-keeping abilities as reasons for his selection.
Possible Future Developments
As India prepares to face England in a five-match series starting June 20 in Leeds, the team will look to defy expectations and make a strong showing. With several new players set to make their Test debuts, the series will provide an opportunity for them to prove themselves on a major stage. The selectors’ decision to look beyond experienced campaigners like Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane has raised eyebrows, but the team appears to be heading in a new direction under Gill’s leadership.
