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After the completion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the Indian cricket team will kickstart their cricketing calendar with the tour of England. Moreover, with the England tour, India will also start their next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which is set to go until 2027.
With the five-match Test series set to be played from June 20 till August 4, Team India’s mainstay in the longest format, Cheteshwar Pujara has made himself available for selection. It is to be noted that Pujara has scored 7195 runs in 103 Tests and has been an integral part of the format since his debut in 2010. However, his poor form has led him to be dropped from the side since the 2023 WTC Final.
Cheteshwar Pujara makes himself available for England Test series
Speaking to RevSportz, the Indian batter stated that he is prepared if Team India needs him for the upcoming England Test series. "If the team needs and I get the opportunity, I am prepared from my end. I have been working on my physical fitness, performing well in the country and domestic tournaments,” he said, as quoted by India Today.
“Team India has been quite competitive, but has not won a series in England for around 20 years now, so given an opportunity, I would like to give the best from my end and grab the opportunity if the team needs me. This would be the perfect opportunity to contribute when a win is much needed in England," the 37-year-old added.
The Indian mainstay also admitted that he was disappointed not being part of the team, but have kept himself in motivated spirits due to his love for the game. "When one has been successful at the highest level and played more than 100 Test matches and are still not a part of the team, you carry on the hard work that has been the reason behind getting the success," he continued. "Not getting the opportunity is a big disappointment, but I keep myself ready and motivated because of my love for this game. And out of that love, I keep myself close to the game and routine without expecting much, and through any opportunity I get, be it domestic or county," Pujara added.
Speaking of the upcoming assignment, the Men in Blue will lock horns in a five-match Test series, starting from June 20. While the first Test will be played from June 20 till June 24 in Headingley, Leeds, they will next travel to Birmingham for the second Test, which will be played from July 2 to 6. After the third and fourth Test from July 10 and July 23 respectively, they will play the fifth and final Test at the Kennington Oval in London from July 31.
