The mini-auction for IPL 2023 is just around the corner and all the franchises are busy with the preparations for the safe. The event is all set to take place on December 23 in Kochi and the excitement for the same has been increasing with every passing day among the fans.
While a total of 405 players will go under the hammer in the mini-auction, but there is one senior player who decided against registering for the auction. Well, as per a report by The Times Of India, Cheteshwar Pujara didn’t register for the upcoming mini-auction. Pujara, who is regarded as the Test specialist, hasn’t played an IPL game since 2014.
Dinesh Karthik Made A Big Statement On Pujara
The Indian Test specialist, who was a part of the Chennai Super Kings squad that won IPL 2021, didn’t register himself for the mini-auction this year. The star player went unsold from IPL 2015 to 2020 before he drew a surprising bid from Chennai Super Kings in the year 2021. However, ahead of IPL 2022, Pujara was released by CSK and once again went unsold in the mega auctions. Now with no hopes of getting a franchise, Pujara decided against registering himself for the T20 league.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik said that the former CSK star has realized that IPL is not his cup of tea. He said:
“To be fair, I don’t think he has any keenness on playing in the IPL. He has tried over a period of time, and he realises that it’s not his cup of tea. He is spending a lot of time during the summer in England, honing his skills and playing his cricket. At this stage of his life, it’s not about trying to prove a point. It’s about where do you enjoy playing, and where do people enjoy the fact that I bat this way. He is very well aware of those answers, and that’s not the IPL for him.“
Usually, during the IPL, Pujara flies to England to play County Cricket and might once again be seen in action in England. His absence from the previous edition of the Indian Premier League turned out in his favor as he piled up heaps of runs for Sussex to stage his Test comeback against England.
Cheteshwar Pujara played a stunning knock against England and has continued his amazing form against Bangladesh to retain his spot. Currently, he is playing the role of India’s vice-captain in the ongoing series. He has played 97 Tests for India but hasn’t played T20I for team India. He did represent the Men in Blue in 5 ODIs.
