After being dropped from the Test squad for the South Africa tour, veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has returned to his English county home Sussex for the 2024 season. While featuring in the World Test Championship final earlier this year, Pujara found himself left out of the West Indies and South Africa Test tours.
Pujara has been a mainstay for Sussex over the past three seasons, boasting an exceptional record with the club. He even captained the side, making a century on his debut as skipper. His achievements include a remarkable 1,094 runs with five centuries in his first season (2022), followed by three more centuries in 2023.
Sussex announced on their website that Pujara will be available for the first seven County Championship matches, alongside new signing Daniel Hughes.
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The official statement reads: “Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the re-signing of India Test batter, Cheteshwar Pujara and Australian batter, Daniel Hughes as overseas signings for the 2024 season. Fan favorite Cheteshwar Pujara will return to The 1st Central County Ground for a third season running and will be available for the first seven County Championship games.”
PUJARA WILL RETURN IN 2024! 😍 pic.twitter.com/gEUDsWiyoj
— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) December 13, 2023
It added, “Thereafter, Daniel Hughes will be available from the start of the T20 Vitality Blast until the end of the season. He will play in the County Championship, as well as the Blast.”
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Pujara expressed his delight at returning to Sussex, stating: “I have enjoyed my time at Hove the last couple of seasons and couldn’t be more delighted to be back again with the Sussex family. I am looking forward to joining the team and contributing to its success,” said Cheteshwar Pujara.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s return to Sussex provides him with a vital platform to maintain his form and potentially earn a recall to the Indian Test squad. His experience and batting prowess will undoubtedly be valuable assets for Sussex in their upcoming campaign.
