Bangalore, July 14: Promising middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, unfortunate to miss the West Indies and England tours due to injury, has successfully undergone knee surgery in England. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.
The young Saurashtra batsman, whose temperament has won the praise of senior cricketers, is hoping to recover in time for the domestic season and India’s series against Australia later this year.
Speaking about his injury and treatment to a leading national daily he said, "I consulted knee specialist Dr. Andrew Wallace in London on June 28 and was diagnosed with a complete tear in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). I went under the knife on July 1 and have been advised a rehabilitation-cum-strengthening programme at the NCA.”
"I was not feeling any pain a few days after the injury. But I felt the discomfort when I started running. Dr. Wallace told me that pain cannot be the yardstick for the seriousness of the injury," explained Pujara.
"Now that my ACL is reconstructed, the focus is on recovery and strengthening. I am using crutches now and have to continue that for two-three weeks. Then I might switch to cycling and then jogging before resuming batting. It is a painfully slow programme," he admitted.
A dependable batsman, Pujara earned his Test cap in 2010 and made his debut against Australia in Bangalore.
"It is everyone's dream to play at Lord's. As I had reported to NCA, the physio must have updated the selectors about by fitness status. I can't do anything about it," Pujara said about his absence from the squad for the upcoming series against England.
"Obviously, I have to come to the team before the Australia tour. But before that I have to be fit for selection; only then will I be considered. I'm trying to get fit in time for the Australia tour in December and do hope that I'm selected in the team," the youngster was quoted as saying by a website.
Asked about what he does when he isn’t playing cricket, Pujara replied, “I love reading and watching sports channels on TV. Obviously cricket is my first preference but I do love to watch tennis as well."
