Watch: Cheteshwar Pujara, who hasn’t played an IPL game in seven years, was seen switching into T20 mode with a flurry of strokes during a Chennai Super Kings nets session ahead of IPL 2021.

Pujara, often pigeonholed as a red-ball cricketer, was acquired by CSK in the IPL 2021 auction, has time and again expressed his desire to be part of India’s limited-overs sides, as well as the IPL, where he currently averages 20.52 from 30 matches. Known for his gritty, defensive approach in Test cricket, Pujara’s strike-rate in IPL stands at 99.74, with just one fifty and four sixes in his career.

However, a video recording from the IPL 2021 nets session showed Pujara taking on CSK’s bowlers with authority, regularly hitting aerial strokes uncharacteristic of the Test cricketer known to many.

One stroke – a powerfully lofted inside out shot – particularly stood out, highlighting how the 33-year-old had worked on his big-hitting skills and was ready to resume his IPL career in the yellow jersey.

It’ll be interesting to see, though, where Pujara fits in the CSK line-up, having played everywhere from opening to No.4, as well as No.6-7 in the IPL so far.

Watch the strokes from the nets session here:

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Csk Cheteshwar PujaraGlobal T20 Leagues