Cheteshwar Pujara working on his bowling in nets to get into Indian ODI squad

Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara stretches during a team training session.

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has begun bowling in the nets as he eyes to get into India’s one day international side.

“I have also started bowling in nets so that I can contribute as a part-time bowler,” Pujara told PTI. “I want to help my team with part-time bowling if the captain wants me to. I am looking to bring improvement in my game, most important being playing on the rise. I am targeting specific areas, which include analysis of my batting and what mistakes I am committing in the middle. It will help me in the longer run.”

Pujara bowls occasional leg-break. He has taken 5 wickets in his first class career, having around 25 overs in 92 matches. His bowling average is 16.6 and economy 3.25 in the limited sample space. Here’s a video of him bowling in the nets:

https://youtu.be/Zm7p94PaLwU

The 24-year-old has played only two ODIs for India, and both of them came against Zimbabwe for a depleted Indian side despite his brilliant performances recently in the Test format.

“If I can prove myself in the IPL, I am confident that I can get success in ODIs too. I had played a couple of good innings for my last franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore which proved that I have the talent to excel in the shortest format also. It’s all about getting more opportunities in the coming future. I am looking forward to have a successful IPL,” added Pujara.

When asked whether he could excel in the T20 format, Pujara believed he could. “It’s a perception. I have a good ODI domestic record. I have scored runs at an impressive strike rate in domestic matches. So, I don’t think it would be a problem for me adjusting to the T20 format,” he said.

“In Twenty20, people expect big shots from you. I need to be aggressive from the first ball. I have to take my chances. I have started my preparation and the good part is there’s still a month left before the tournament gets underway,” he added.

He also spoke about his thoughts for playing for the Kings XI Punjab. “I am looking forward to my association with Kings XI Punjab. I believe playing for KXIP will give me more exposure and experience. I have always loved the streets of Chandigarh city. I have played quite a few domestic games there and somewhere, I have this hidden love for the city,” he concluded.

His exclusion from the ODI side has surprised many pundits and critics, most particularly former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar Former who slammed the selection committee and accused them of favouritism.

“Are you worried that Cheteshwar Pujara will score runs so that your favourites who are not consistent might have to make way? Are you worried that Ishwar Pandey will pick wickets, and again some of your favourite bowlers might not be certain of a place in the team, what are you worried about?,” a frustrated Gavaskar had told Star Sports.