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Picture Credit: ChennaiIPL

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been a backbone of the country's Test side for quite a few years now. The 33-year-old is known for his resilience and grit which has earned him a tag of red-ball specialist. However, it has hampered his image as limited-overs cricketer in this period. The right-handed batsman has not played in IPL for last six years and it looked like he might not find any franchises this year as well.

CSK bought Pujara in IPL 2021 auction

However, in a surprising turn of events, Chennai Super Kings bought Cheteshwar Pujara in IPL 2021 auctions. The 33-year-old was sold at his base price of INR 50 lakh as everyone in the room applauded. It turned out to be one of the most iconic moments in the history of IPL auction as one of the legends of the game rightfully received an IPL contract.

Pujara gets set for his return to IPL

Between 2010 to 2014, the right-handed batsman played 30 matches in the marquee tournament, scoring 390 runs at a strike rate of 99.74. Ahead of IPL 2021, Pujara is certainly working on his power-hitting. After joining the CSK camp, the 33-year-old has been looking in scintillating form and has demonstrated his other side of the game. In a recent clip released from the practice sessions, Pujara can be seen smashing some mammoth sixes off Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma and the other net bowlers.

Watch Pujara's sixes here:

In a conversation with Cricbuzz, the right-handed batsman had revealed that he felt privileged to be part of such franchise (CSK) who respects the performance of the players for the national team. He added that he is lucky that he'll be playing under MS Dhoni who was his captain when he made his international debut. It will be interesting to see if Pujara can replicate the same destructive form during the course of IPL 2021. Chennai Super Kings kick-off their campaign on April 10 when they face Delhi Capitals in Mumbai.