'Bhuvi should be the first choice with the new ball, based on the conditions, because of the skill he possesses of swinging the ball.'
Former India player Cheteshwar Pujara believes that consistency is 'overrated' for top-order batters in T20 cricket, expressing confidence in Sanju Samson's ability to regain form with a single impactful innings.
Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the Indian batting unit for their lack of responsibility in chasing targets, specifically after their loss to West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. Despite Sanju Samson's fifty, India failed to chase 247. Gavaskar also commented on individual performances and defended the inexperienced bowlers, while Cheteshwar Pujara praised West Indies skipper Shai Hope's balanced batting approach.
Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has lauded Abhishek Sharma for becoming the fastest batter to reach 2,000 T20I runs, comparing his explosive ability to Chris Gayle. Pujara also highlighted Sharma's growing maturity and Ishan Kishan's crucial role at number three for the Indian team in the shortest format, emphasising his powerplay maximisation.
'There is more trust in Shivam Dube because he has done it for India. Nitish Kumar Reddy has bowled well for SRH, but so far for India in T20Is, unfortunately, he hasn't played that role yet.'
Former cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara believes the Indian team is well-prepared for the slowish tracks expected in the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies, particularly the first match in Lucknow, thanks to their recent experience on challenging pitches at the Asian Games in Japan.
Indian cricketers Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara took to social media to extend their warm wishes to fans on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, sharing messages of peace, health, and prosperity.
Cheteshwar Pujara suggests earmarking 25-30 domestic players for Test cricket, even if they aren't part of the Indian Premier League, while acknowledging the rise of white-ball specialists.
Cheteshwar Pujara expresses surprise at Rishabh Pant's inability to replicate his Test cricket success in the IPL, suggesting a need for greater clarity in his approach to T20 batting. Pujara also addresses Hardik Pandya's captaincy and defends Suryakumar Yadav's form.
Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal discusses his approach to cementing a place in the Indian Test XI, acknowledging limited opportunities despite his recent back-to-back hundreds in Sri Lanka. He emphasises the importance of consistent performance and his readiness to seize opportunities, drawing insights from conversations with Rahul Dravid.
Former head coach Rahul Dravid believes India have 'fallen behind' in the World Test Championship final qualification race, highlighting the upcoming New Zealand series as a significant challenge for the young team.
Ishan Kishan continued his impressive form in crucial matches by scoring his maiden first-class double century, a blistering 250 off 301 balls, for East Zone against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final before retiring hurt due to cramps.
Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara shared memorable anecdotes from his IPL career, including a 'fanboy moment' meeting Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood's humorous refusal to bowl to him in the Chennai Super Kings nets.
'All the young players might want to play the shorter format, but India should be looking to preserve him for the Test format.'
It is not easy to score two consecutive Test centuries unless one knows how to play the good ball on its merit and punish the bad ball to full effect.
Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara praised Rohit Sharma for staying calm despite intense scrutiny and outside criticism after his historic century against England at Lord's on Sunday, July 29, 2026.
Batting great Cheteshwar Pujara believes veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja's recent shift to a more aggressive, wicket-taking mindset in red-ball cricket will make him a vital player for India during the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka.
KL Rahul's patient half-century in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka highlights his evolving role as a consistent and strategic anchor for the Indian team. Despite a slower strike rate, his ability to stonewall spinners and build partnerships has been crucial, earning praise from coaches and teammates. This performance underscores his growing importance, especially after the departure of senior batters, as he aims to make a significant impact in the current Test series.
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara and Olympic medallist PV Sindhu congratulated Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batter announced his retirement from international cricket.
Kuldeep Yadav will look towards the Sri Lanka series as his big opportunity to finally seal his place as India's No 1 spinner in Tests.
Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane believes India's recent Test struggles stem from the departure of senior players, emphasising the need for a core of seven to eight experienced cricketers in the longer format.
Cheteshwar Pujara has reflected on his special connection with England after being awarded an honorary life membership of the MCC, calling it a "home away from home" due to his long experience playing county cricket and memorable moments at Lord's.
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara and ex-assistant coach Abhishek Nayar have offered critical insights into India's recent T20I series defeat against England, highlighting issues with middle-order depth, all-rounders, poor fielding, and struggles against short balls.
'While his cricketing achievements are obvious, people should remember Ajinkya Rahane, the person. Because he has inspired youngsters in the dressing room by his powerful humane gestures.'
Ajinkya Rahane will always be remembered as the man who let his bat -- and his character -- do the talking, recalls K R Nayar.
The former India number three posted the copy of the letter on social media and thanked the prime minister for his warm words.
'If I was with the team, I would pick bowlers who I feel can pick wickets and win matches for me with the ball.'
'That is how he developed his concentration and focus.'
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded left-arm spinner Manav Suthar's impressive Test debut, where he took seven wickets, attributing his success to the BCCI's robust talent identification system. Kotak also commented on Sai Sudharsan's performance but remained non-committal on a settled batting line-up.
The book has received raving reviews from legendary cricketers Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.
India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate conceded that too many players have batted at number three in Test matches after Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement and it was time that either Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal is given a long rope at the key batting position.
From Rajkot's maidans to cricket's grandest arenas, Cheteshwar Pujara carved a niche as the bedrock of India's Test side. He is one of only 14 Indians to feature in more than 100 Tests, and his innings often defined India's most memorable triumphs.
Cheteshwar Pujara says teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should aim for Test cricket despite his explosive IPL success with Rajasthan Royals.
Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India's finest Test batters, called time on his illustrious career on Sunday.
India will take on Afghanistan in a one-off Test from June 6 onwards at New Chandigarh. This comes after the Men in Blue suffered a 0-2 clean sweep loss to South Africa at home last year, marking back-to-back series whitewashes in two years in a row, after a 0-3 whitewash loss to New Zealand in 2024, which marked the end of India's 12-year unbeaten streak at home.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has praised Cheteshwar Pujara for his key role in India's historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins in Australia, saying the achievement was "as good as winning the World Cup."
Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has praised Abhishek Sharma's talent after his explosive innings in an IPL match against Delhi Capitals.
India are entering a rebuilding phase in Test cricket, with Shubman Gill facing early challenges as captain amid concerns over form, selection stability, and recent home results.
Cheteshwar Pujara urges Tilak Varma to be more aggressive against spin despite his century, as Mumbai Indians bounce back with a big win over Gujarat Titans.
Ravichandran Ashwin has called for urgent measures to safeguard Test cricket, stressing the importance of first-class cricket as the pathway to the longest format and warning that young players need stronger incentives to pursue red-ball careers.
