Rahane and Pujara Set for County Championship
Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, will be heading back to England to play in division two of the County Championship after the conclusion of the West Indies tour in July. Rahane has signed with Leicestershire, while Pujara will represent Sussex. The duo’s participation in the championship had been delayed due to their commitments with the Indian team.
Rahane’s Delayed Participation
Ajinkya Rahane, known for his elegant stroke play and solid technique, recently made a successful comeback to the Indian team during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. In that crucial match, Rahane showcased his class with scores of 89 and 46. The injury to Shreyas Iyer might pave the way for Rahane’s inclusion in the upcoming West Indies tour. Even when the injured players return, Rahane’s impressive performances could earn him a longer run in Test cricket, as per India’s head coach Rahul Dravid.
However, Rahane’s participation in the County Championship was postponed due to his Test comeback. He had signed the deal with Leicestershire in January, intending to play eight first-class games and the entire 50-over Royal London Cup from June to September, after his Indian Premier League (IPL) stint with the Chennai Super Kings
“Ajinkya, after the two Tests in the West Indies [scheduled to end on July 24], is supposed to fly directly to England and join Leicestershire for the remainder of the season,” a BCCI source informed PTI. “He will play the Royal London Cup in August and a possible four county games in September as he is unlikely to be a part of the white-ball scheme of things.”
Rahane’s Second County Stint
This will mark Rahane’s second county stint, following his brief spell with Hampshire in 2019. Back then, he was dropped from the ODI World Cup squad, leading him to explore opportunities in the county circuit. The upcoming county season will provide Rahane with valuable red-ball game time, as most of the Indian players shift their focus to ODIs in preparation for the Asia Cup and World Cup. Rahane will continue honing his skills in the longer format before returning to India for the domestic season.
Pujara’s Impressive Form
Cheteshwar Pujara, renowned for his resilience and ability to grind out tough innings, has already commenced his county season with Sussex. Prior to the WTC final, Pujara had played six games for Sussex, amassing three centuries and a half-century in just eight innings. His remarkable form has been instrumental in Sussex’s success so far. Pujara had begun the season with a century against Durham and followed it up with hundreds against Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. He has also taken on the additional responsibility of leading the Sussex side.
Pujara’s Contribution to Sussex
In the six games he played, Pujara amassed 545 runs at a phenomenal average of 68.12. His prolific run-scoring has been crucial in Sussex’s campaign. With such exceptional performances, Pujara has proven his value not only as a key member of the Indian Test team but also as a reliable overseas player in county cricket. The upcoming Royal London Cup will provide him with another opportunity to display his skills and contribute to Sussex’s pursuit of silverware.
Indian Representation in the County Circuit
Apart from Rahane and Pujara, left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh has also ventured into the county circuit. Singh, playing for Kent in his maiden county season, has played one game so far. In that match, he showcased his skills by returning figures of 2 for 43 and 2 for 90 against Surrey, even though the opposition managed to chase down an imposing total of 501.
Conclusion
As Rahane and Pujara gear up to represent their respective county teams, the Indian cricketing community eagerly awaits their performances in the upcoming County Championship matches. Rahane, seeking to make a mark in his second county stint, will have ample opportunities to sharpen his red-ball skills. On the other hand, Pujara’s sublime form makes him a force to be reckoned with as he strives to guide Sussex to further success. As these two batting stalwarts embark on their county campaigns, fans hope that their experiences in English conditions will enhance their skills and benefit Indian cricket in the long run.
