Speaking about the issue via his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “The Indian players have gone back home and will be reuniting for the next Test match in Rajkot. Rajkot is the home of Cheteshwar Pujara. A certified Indian legend who recently concluded his 100 Test matches. We’ll be playing in his place. Ravindra Jadeja, Saurashtra. The Rajkot stadium is his home ground, but he is from Jamnagar. Let’s wait and watch if Cheteshwar Pujara invites everyone to his home for dinner,”

Notably, Pujara had called the Indian team to his Rajkot house for dinner during the England Test series in 2016. However, Pujara who has played over 100 Test matches for India, is not a part of the Indian setup, meaning his former teammates aren’t sure if they will get an invitation to the Pujara household this time around. 

Meanwhile, Pujara and Jadeja are all set to be felicitated by the Saurashtra Cricket Association before the start of the 3rd Test match in Rajkot. The felicitation will take place at the function organized for the renaming of the Rajkot Stadium to Niranjan Shah Stadium, in honor of former first-class cricketer Niranjan Shah.

SCA President Jaydev Shah while giving more details said, “We will be felicitating both Pujara and Ravindra during the function for new name of the stadium,” 

Pujara hasn’t been a part of the Indian team since the end of World Test Championship Final last year. Since then, Pujara’s number 3 spot has been taken by Shubman Gill who came good for the Indian side in the last Test match after a series of failures. Pujara was also snubbed for selection in the Indian team for the last 3 Test matches despite consistent performances in Ranji Cricket including a double hundred this season.

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Published: 12 Feb 2024, 11:35 AM IST