New Delhi, May 28
Veteran top-order batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes that the upcoming five-match Test tour of England marks a crucial turning point for Indian cricket, citing the young group of players selected for the series starting on June 20 in Headingley.
India has a new skipper and vice-captain in Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, respectively, as the youthful side looks to step into a new era of playing Tests after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Historically, India has won only three out of 19 series in England, with the last one coming in 2007 when Rahul Dravid was the side’s captain.
“The India-England Test series has always been a true measure of a team’s grit and adaptability. In the last 100 years, India has managed to win only 3 out of 19 series played on English soil, which highlights just how challenging this contest has been for us.
“With a young and dynamic squad, this tour represents a significant turning point for Indian cricket. I look forward to witnessing how this group rises to the occasion and sets new benchmarks for future generations,” said Pujara in a statement by Sony Sports Network, where he will be seen as a panelist for the broadcasters’ coverage of the five-game series.
Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford and The Oval are the other venues for the remaining games of the India-England Test series. The series against Ben Stokes-led England also marks the start of a new ICC World Test Championship cycle for India.