Cheteshwar Pujara : My dedication to the game has made me what I am

08/28/2017

Cheteshwar Pujara has claimed that it is his dedication to cricket that has helped him become an Arjuna Award winner. The Saurashtra batsman voiced his gratitude for the award but clarified that he wouldn't be able to receive the same in person due to his County Cricket commitments.

Pujara played a vital role in India’s highly successful home Test season where the hosts beat the likes of New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, and Australia, before following it up with a historic whitewash of Sri Lanka in the island nation. The 29-year-old has played 51 Tests and scored 4107 runs at an average of 52.65 which includes 13 centuries and 15 half centuries.

Pujara claimed that playing County Cricket was one of the few ways to be successful in Tests overseas and that it had worked for him enhancing his batting prowess. His consistent performances have been rewarded as he is now the winner of the prestigious Arjuna Award.

Pujara posted a message on Facebook and expressed his feelings about the award. But he also informed that because of his County Cricket commitment he would not be able to attend the award ceremony.

“I am truly honoured and grateful for being conferred with the Arjuna Award. It will only inspire me to strive harder to do my best for the country,” Pujara posted on Facebook.

“Unfortunately, I will not be able to receive the award in person due to my commitment to the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in England. My dedication to the game has made me what I am, and though it would have been an honour to attend the award ceremony, grabbing any opportunity to play this wonderful game has always been of utmost importance. Thank you for the continuous support over the years,” he concluded.

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