Owing to his incredible run with Sussex in the County Championships, Cheteshwar Pujara broke into the Indian Test side for the rescheduled test match against England. The 34-year-old, who was snubbed during the IPL 2022 auction, said that he would not have had game time even if he was picked and that his county stint has helped him get back to his old rhythm.

“You can say that now in hindsight. Had I been picked by an IPL team, there were major chances that I wouldn’t have got any games. I would have just gone (to nets) and practised. Getting match practice and practice in the nets is always different. So when the county thing happened, I just said yes. The major reason I said yes to the county (stint) is that I wanted my old rhythm back,” Pujara told The Indian Express newspaper.

“I was positive, there was no doubt about it. The way my county stint went, I was hopeful that I will make a comeback to the Indian team. But when I went to play county cricket, the India comeback was never on my mind; I just wanted to find my rhythm and I knew one big innings would help me find my rhythm back.”

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Pujara played the Test series against South Africa in January this year before he was dropped for the home tests against Sri Lanka after a poor run of form.

During his stint with Sussex, the Saurashtra batter hit four centuries, including two double hundreds. 

“I am glad to have been selected for the England Test, and happy that my recent county performances were recognized,” Pujara told PTI news agency.

“Having spent some time in the middle during the county games, I do believe it will keep me in good stead as we get ready for the game against England. As always, looking forward to preparing and training well ahead of the tour, and do hope to continue contributing to the Indian team,” he added.