Pujara set to return

Pujara suffered a ligament tear in his right knee while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 4, and underwent a surgery in London on July 1. He was rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy, Bangalore.

“After the surgery in UK on July 1, I came directly to the NCA to complete my rehab. During the first phase, I was on crutches and gradually I started cycling, and running. Yesterday they took a few tests (at the NCA). I am fit now. It was a long process and took five months,” the 23-year-old cricketer said.

“I began my batting and fielding training over a month ago. I will play a few (Ranji) matches. I will play the Saurashtra-Karnataka match at Bangalore from November 29,” Pujara said.

“From the point of view of selection (for the Indian team), I don’t think fitness would be an issue,” added the Saurashtra batsman, who has scored 107 runs in three Tests for India including an impressive 72 on debut.