Cheteshwar Pujara’s finest Test career achievements occurred in Australia, but the former India number three, who was just awarded an MCC life membership, claims he only had a sense of home away from home in England.
Pujara has driven all across England and spent the most time outside of Rajkot, having played for several county cricket teams and toured with the Indian squad three times.
Pujara now has an additional reason to visit the “Home of Cricket” as Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the owners of the legendary Lord’s stadium, has granted him honorary life membership.
“I’ve played a lot of county cricket in the UK. So when you end up playing a lot of cricket over there, you feel like you’re at home. And for me, it’s a great pleasure and privilege to be part of the MCC.
“And getting this honorary membership, it means a lot. As a cricketer, when you have worked hard throughout your career and when that effort is recognised, you feel proud about your achievements as a cricketer,” the 38-year-old told PTI in an interview.
India won two of the three Test matches he played in at Lord’s. Although he didn’t score a century for India at the iconic venue, he remembers his double hundred for Sussex in a historically significant stadium with fondness.
Even though Pujara, a veteran of 103 Test matches, has played at all of the world’s most famous venues, there is something unique about showing up at Lord’s.
“So I’ve got some fond memories of being at Lord’s, playing cricket, also watching cricket there. When I had my second ACL reconstruction, that was in 2011, when I was playing for RCB and I got injured. And then my knee surgery was actually in London.
“So when I was there consulting a doctor, I went to the Lord’s cricket ground just to have a feel of it. Because before that, I’d never played at Lord’s.”
“So when you walk into that ground, it has a different aura, different vibe. And now when you become a lifetime member at MCC, so you have this privilege of going there and watching cricket. But as a child, I always dreamt of playing cricket there,” he said.
Although Lord’s has a unique atmosphere, being out in the center presents certain difficulties for batters.
“The best part about it is the historical balcony, which we have seen for many, many years, which hasn’t changed even now. When you walk into the field from the long room, everyone appreciates your effort, whether you’re walking in or coming out during the lunch break or a tea time break or end of day’s play.”
“It doesn’t matter how you have performed, but they will always appreciate good cricket on the field. And that’s the best part about being at Lord’s,” said Pujara.
“Firstly, it’s a pitch where you have to settle in. You have to spend enough time as a batter on the crease and then start playing your shots. So it’s a slightly challenging pitch for any batter. With the slope around, if you are not very familiar with the slope, you struggle to take the stance early on.”
“You have to make a few adjustments in your stance as a batter. But once you get used to it, it’s a phenomenal pitch to bat on. And it’s a great outfield as well. You have value for your shots.”
“But you always put a lot of pressure on yourself as a cricketer. When you’re playing at Lords, you want to get your name on the honours’ board. Overall, if I could change something in my cricketing journey, I think scoring a 100 at Lord’s would have been a great achievement,” said Pujara whose only Test hundred in England came in Southampton.
Although Pujara’s overall stats have been excellent in Australia, he has had the greatest fun playing cricket outside of India in England.
“…when it comes to international cricket, yes, my record in Australia has been phenomenal. And I enjoy batting over there. Because Australia, I would say is slightly easier to bat on once you have your eye in.”
“In England, it has always been challenging. I mean, things have changed. Now, if you look at the kind of pitches which are produced in England, it’s slightly different now,” he said.
Pujara stated that he treasures his encounters with Stuart Broad and James Anderson the most out of all the bowlers he has faced in England.
