Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara celebrates after scoring a century during the first day of the first cricket test match against New Zealand in Hyderabad, India. (Source: PTI photo)

After an average tour of Australia, Cheteshwar Pujara is expected to take the field in Saurashtra’s Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha in Nagpur from January 13.

Saurashtra have so far endured a poor season and are placed at the bottom of Group B with just three points from five matches. The home defeat to Maharashtra in their last game dented their chance of progressing.

Saurashtra coach Sitanshu Kotak informed that he spoke with Pujara a few days ago and he confirmed his availability for the next Ranji game. “Even before final Test was about to start, me and Niranjhanbhai (Niranjan Shah) spoke to Pujara and he said he will be available for the Ranji game against Vidarbha. As the fourth Test will be over on Saturday, we are hoping he will join us directly in Nagpur,” Kotak told The Indian Express.

Pujara had a mediocre tour Down Under, scoring just 201 runs in three Tests. He was later dropped for the final game as the newly anointed India captain preferred Rohit Sharma at number three. Kotak said having Pujara in the side will be a big boost for Saurashtra.

“Only a few games are left and if we have to qualify for the knockout rounds, we will have to record outright wins in our remaining matches. As a team we have not performed to our potential. Our batting as been inconsistent this season but we are hopeful that if Pujara joins us, it will have a positive effect on others. He has been our main player for many years now,” Kotak added.

Apart from Sheldon Jackson (662 runs), who is also the highest run-getter in the season so far, and Arpit Vasavada (464 runs), Saurashtra batsmen have been finding it tough to score runs. They will hope for Pujara to bail them out.