India's Cheteshwar Pujara signs six-match deal with Gloucestershire
What's the story
Indian Test cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has signed a short-term contract with English County team Gloucestershire. The right-handed batsman will play six games for the club in the upcoming County season. Gloucestershire are set to feature in top-division County for the first time in fifteen seasons. This is a big move to sign Pujara. Here are further details.
County
Pujara to play opening game against Yorkshire
Pujara, alongside Hanuma Vihari, aren't a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 13th edition. He will feature in the opening game of the season against Yorkshire on April 12 and return to India before the T20 Blast kicks off in the UK. Pujara will be replaced by Afghanistan's Qais Ahmed as the County's overseas player for the last six games.
Views
I am really excited to represent Gloucestershire: Pujara
"I am really excited to represent Gloucestershire this season," said Pujara after sealing a deal. "The club has a rich cricketing history and this is a great opportunity to be a part of it and contribute to its success. I cannot wait to get to Bristol, meet my team-mates and score some runs."
Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is the fourth English club for Pujara
Gloucestershire will be the fourth English County that Pujara will represent. He has earlier played for Yorkshire in 2015 and 2018, Derbyshire in 2014 and Nottinghamshire in 2017. The Indian batsman doesn't boast of the numbers in County though. He averages around 30 in 36 innings. In his short stint with Gloucestershire, Pujara will certainly be looking to better the statistics.
Quote
Cheteshwar is a player with great temperament: Gloucestershire head coach
Gloucestershire's head coach Richard Dawson said, "Cheteshwar is a player with great temperament who will add international experience to the squad. Adding Pujara to a strong batting line-up gives me great confidence ahead of our opening County championship matches."