Rajkot: Saurashtra`s prolific middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara feels that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a great platform for young cricketers to rub shoulders with the best in the business from across the world.
He said the IPL has its own charm and playing in the T20 tournament is altogether a different experience. "IPL is the perfect platform for young cricketers to play alongside senior players of different countries. It (IPL) gives youngsters a chance to learn a lot from experienced players," Pujara told PTI.
Pujara`s journey in the IPL so far has been far from rosy because of injuries. He missed the entire IPL in 2009 and was out of action for several months after injuring his knee during Kolkata Knight Riders` warm-up match in the lead-up to the Twenty20 tournament in South Africa.
The scenario was no different in this year`s IPL IV as after playing just seven games for Royal Challengers Bangalore, he sustained a knee injury while fielding against
Kochi Tuskers Kerala to not only miss the remainder of the tournament but also India`s tour of West Indies.
"It is difficult to avoid on-field injury and an injured player does not have any option except for taking rest," Pujara said.
He, however, refused to disclose the nature of his injury. "I cannot disclose the details of my injury as per BCCI`s instruction." Pujara also expressed disappointment for missing out on a chance to tour West Indies in the absence of senior players. "It’s painful to sit out."
In the absence of senior pros, Suresh Raina lead a depleted Indian side to a 3-2 win over the West Indies in the just-concluded five-match ODI series, and Pujara said it proves India`s strong bench strength.
Pujara, however, was concerened about India`s busy schedule and said it gives young cricketers a chance while seniors are resting. Pujara will soon travel to London for further medical treatment and expressed hope to start practice as early as possible.
He has played three Tests for India with 72 against Australia at debut in Bangalore being his highest score.
PTI
First Published: Friday, June 17, 2011, 13:41