Cheteshwar Pujara shares valuable advice for team India ahead of England Tests

The Indian Test team has a new captain in Shubman Gill. Veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin have called it quits from the longest format and what lies ahead is a challenging five-match Test series in England, starting 20th June. The majority of the players in the squad will be making their debut tour to England for the Test series. 

Overcast conditions coupled with the threat posed by the Dukes ball make the England tour one of the most difficult challenges for any team. And hence, there will be a concern about how the squad will perform. Cheteshwar Pujara, who has one century and five half-centuries in England, reckons that the Indian team must adapt to the conditions quickly and exhibit patience and support for each other to succeed on the tour. 

"India's team to England must adapt quickly and play (according) to the conditions. As someone who understands batting in English conditions and team dynamics, I believe discipline, patience and support for each other are crucial," said Pujara.

"Every player will need to contribute and respect the challenges that lay ahead. I am sure this tour will be a great opportunity for the growth and success of each player and the team as a whole," Pujara told Sony Sports, the official broadcaster of India's tour to England.

KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran star with bat in 2nd unofficial Test vs England Lions 

Cheteshwar Pujara hasn’t announced his retirement from Test cricket, however, despite the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the selectors chose not to recall him to the Test squad ahead of a challenging England tour. The veteran batter has played 16 Tests in England, scoring 870 runs at an average of 29. 

Meanwhile, the second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions is underway at Northampton. Senior batter KL Rahul continues to impress as he scored a valiant 51 off 64 balls before smashing a hundred in the first innings. Skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran also played a stellar knock of 80 off 92, helping India stretch the lead to 289 at Lunch on Day 4.