India’s Test great Chesteshwar Pujara misses IPL 2022 as he was not picked by any of the franchises. Pakistan’s keeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan and Cheteshwar Pujara made Sussex debut in County Championships Division 2. Pujara has played for England County Cricket earlier as well. However, this was the first time playing first-class cricket in England for Rizwan. In Sussex’s match against Derbyshire, both the batters were named in the playing XI. Currently, Tom Daines is leading the Sussex team. Derbyshire had opted to bat, so we will only see the players in attack on Day 2 or even later.
Sussex has lost their first match, so adding both the cricketers to the playing XI in the second match seems to be a tactical move. Furthermore, both of the players have been known names for contributing to their respective national sides. Therefore, head coach Ian Salisbury had considered having them in the Playing XI only after their first loss. Pujara is known to have the best temperament and has proven to be a crucial Test player. However, he has not shown great performances in the recent past. But experience is something teams heavily rely on.
India’s Cheteshwar Pujara makes Sussex debut
” I am extremely excited to be able to bring in players of Rizwan and Pujara’s quality into the side. Not only the’re absolute world-class cricketers that will boost our performances on the pitch, but to have them around the boys in the dressing room can only be a positive.”
Ian Salisbury, head coach, Sussex
Recently, because of poor performances consistently, Pujara was dropped from the Indian team. This is a good opportunity for Pujara to show good performance and make his place on the Indian squad. On the other hand, Rizwan has been in great shape in recent years. His contribution as both wicket-keeper and batter has been significant. some often regard him as one of the best contemporary wicket-keeper-batters.
Sussex will be eyeing a win against Derbyshire after losing their opening match.
Pujara and Rizwan in first-class cricket
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest score | 100s/50s |
| Chestweshwar Pujara | 221 | 16649 | 50.91 | 352 | 50/67 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 102 | 5535 | 42.58 | 224 | 12/28 |
