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'I'm trying to get fit for the Australia tour'
Sidelined by a ligament tear in his right knee, talented middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara is targeting the Australian tour later this year to make a comeback to the Indian squad.
"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 23-year-old Saurashtra batsman said from Bangalore.
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Pujara, who suffered the injury during IPL 4, in which he represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore, underwent surgery in London on July 1 and has been advised rest for three months.
He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.
"I suffered the tear in my anti-cruciate ligament during fielding. I was going through some rehab after the injury. We were not very sure whether it's a complete tear because there was no pain.
"But then I went to London to consult a knee specialist on June 28. He told me that I would have to undergo surgery. I had suffered the same injury in my left knee during IPL 2.
"It will take me four months to recover, and three months before I can start practice," he said.
'Once you are injured you can't do anything'
The Saurashtra Ranji Trophy batsman said losing out opportunities due to injuries is disappointing.
"I'm definitely losing out opportunities, but it is not in my hand, because once you are injured you can't do anything. You are disappointed that when you want to play for the country; you are out not because of selection, but because of injury. I think you have to accept it.
"I take it in a positive way. You cannot change what has happened. There is no other option. So my aim is to look after my injury and get fit to play again," he added.
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'Everyone appreciated my innings against Australia'
Pujara, who represented India in three Tests, scoring 107 runs in five innings, has received encouragement from opener Virender Sehwag, who too was at the NCA after his shoulder surgery, and senior batsman Rahul Dravid.
"Sehwag told me don't worry, it will be okay.' Whatever has happened has happened. Just focus on your rehab'. Dravid sent me a message saying that 'don't worry you are injured but I'm very sure you will be able to come out of it'," he said.
Pujara, who scored a crucial attacking 72 against Australia in the fourth innings of his debut Test at Bangalore last year, felt he did well in the limited opportunities he got.
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"Everyone appreciated my innings against Australia -- Gary Kirsten and all senior players. Even the way I batted in South Africa, everyone was impressed with the way I was able to cope up with fast bowling in conditions where pace and bounce is more.
"In South Africa, I was at the crease in difficult conditions, but had crucial partnerships with [VVS] Laxmanbhai in one match and [MS] Dhonibhai in another, which was important for the team. At that time even a 25-40 run partnership was important. So everyone appreciated that.
"Kirsten just told me to start converting my innings. 'When you get set you have to start scoring runs'," he said.
'I cannot be compared with Dravid'
Pujara said though there is tough competition for a place in the middle-order he is confident of a comeback.
"I don't believe in competition, nor do I think about what other players are doing. If there is competition it is good in a way for the team, as it means we have got a good bunch of players who can do well for the team. I always try to give my best and try to improve as much as possible. I'm confident that when I'm fit I would be able to make it to the team again, because it was only because of injury that I am out."
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On comparisons with Dravid, he said, "It's a very big compliment for me though I have always maintained that I don't believe in comparisons. Dravid is a legend and has scored over 10,000 runs in Test cricket. I cannot be compared with him. But if someone does, it's a very big complement for me and it is motivating from it."
'I'm improving as a T20 and ODI player'
Pujara, who is considered more of a Test specialist, said he is trying to improve in the other two forms of the game as well.
"I'm improving as a T20 and ODI player. I did well in IPL 3. Even in this season I played a couple of good innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore. I played at 5, 6, 7 -- where you don't get too many balls too face. If I get opportunities I will try to prove that I can do well in these formats as well.
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"Last year, during India A's UK tour, I was the leading scorer. We played matches against England Lions and West Indies A teams. The English Lions had some international players like Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Alistair Cook, besides some good bowlers. So it's not that I can't do well in ODIs," he added.