'James Anderson is 41 and still England's best bowler' - Cheteshwar Pujara explains how age is just a number to him

Cheteshwar Pujara has been in prolific form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 and is eyeing a comeback to the national team. He has amassed 673 runs from 10 innings at a staggering average of 74.78 in the ongoing edition of India's premier domestic red-ball competition. This includes an epic knock of 243 not out against Jharkhand in Rajkot.

The right-handed batter played his last match for India during the World Test Championship final last year in June against Australia at the Kennington Oval. However, he could only score 14 and 27 as India lost the match by 209 runs. Since then, Pujara has found it difficult to make a comeback into the Indian side but he is not losing hope.

The experienced campaigner is currently 36 years old but he believes that age is not an impediment. He gave the example of 41-year-old James Anderson, who is still going strong for England in the longest format of the game. Pujara mentioned tennis legend Novak Djokovic saying that "35 is the new 25".

"I genuinely feel that age is just a number (he just turned 36). You have the example of James Anderson who is bowling fast at 41 and is still England’s best bowler. Novak Djokovic recently said that 35 is the new 25. Dynamics of the game is changing and players are getting fitter. I don’t think age is any longer a barrier. Particularly for players who play only one format, which I think has helped me immensely. If I am playing only Tests, I can maintain my body better. You just have to keep working on fitness. That holds true even if you are a 25-year-old," Pujara said in an interview with Hindustan Times.

Saurashtra are currently placed at No. 3 on the points table in Elite Group A of the Ranji Trophy. They have three wins and one loss from six matches and will play their last match in the league phase against Manipur, starting Friday, February 16, in Rajkot.

Also Read: ‘Passionate' Pujara reflects on his love for the game