'Stepping stone to spot in India team'

Pujara, who will captain India ‘A’, said he was looking forward to grabbing the opportunity with both hands during the month-long tour of England beginning on June 5.

“The conditions will be difficult there and in West Indies ‘A’ and England Lions, we have stiff opposition. If you do well, you are almost there in the Indian side. I am really looking forward to it,” Pujara said.

“I am not nervous but yes, it will be a tough and challenging job. I need to handle many things, I have to bring the best out of the side. It’s a team game, we have to help each other. I am sure it will be a wonderful experience,” Pujara, who admires Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s leadership qualities, said.

Pujara said his experience with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League would help him in England.

“I have learnt a lot being with KKR. It was really of great help sharing the dressing room with the likes of Sourav Ganguly, David Hussey and Chris Gayle. I hope my KKR experience will help me,” said the 22-year-old.

Pujara, who has three triple centuries to his credit in the 2008-09 Ranji season, said, “This is the first time I am leading the country in an international assignment. It’s a great feeling to lead India ‘A’.

“At the same time, I have a reputation to defend,” he said, referring to the Virat Kohli-led side winning the Emerging Players’ Series in Australia last year.