Star India Test player ready for upcoming Ranji Trophy season

Indian Test cricket has entered the new generation under the leadership of Shubman Gill, as the players who dominated the last decade are now out of contention for the format. However, one of the senior players is still hopeful as he is reportedly ready for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season.

Cheteshwar Pujara reportedly ready to participate in upcoming Ranji Trophy

According to the Cricbuzz report, the Saurashtra Cricket Association has confirmed that Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed to play in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season. The SCA is also reportedly happy with this decision, as the cricket association feels that his presence will continue to support the team with huge invaluable experience. The 37-year-old has 7774 runs for Saurashtra in 90 first-class cricket matches with an average of 62.19, including 25 centuries and 25 half-centuries, with his highest score of 352 runs. 

Cheteshwar Pujara is known as one of the best Test batters in Indian cricket history, who has recorded 7195 runs in 103 Test matches with an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries (including three double-centuries) and 35 half-centuries. He also played five ODIs, where the right-handed top-order batter scored only 51 runs, with his best knock of 27 runs. Pujara last served for Team India during the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final against Australia at The Oval in July 2023. 

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Cheteshwar Pujara still has desire to play for India

Although Pujara is out of contention for the Indian team, the experienced top-order batter still has the desire to serve for the national team once again. 

Last January, Pujara told India Today, “Yes, absolutely. As long as I am playing cricket, it does not matter at what level. I love the game, and I am working hard to maintain my rhythm, fitness and connection with the sport. So whenever the opportunity arises—whether at the domestic level or the highest level—I will be ready."

While India recently completed the England tour by leveling the five-match Test series, Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 by 2-2, Pujara was present in England as a commentator.