Exclusive: Humble Cheteshwar Pujara ignores himself to add this legend in India's all-time Test XI

Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has picked India's all-time Test XI, where he ignored his place at number three to add legendary batter Rahul Dravid. Pujara, who last featured for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final against Australia, believes that Dravid is a better player than him to be in India's best-ever Test XI.

In the exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, Pujara picked his all-time Test XI, where he picked Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag as the openers.

"The openers are a weird combination, both are very strong batters, but Calm and composed Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag, very aggressive. So, this can different way. Number 3. Rahul Dravid," said Pujara exclusively on Sports Tak's podcast VIKRANT UNFILTERED.

While asked about why he said Dravid instead of saying his name the legendary batter humbly responded that, "He has been a better player. Without any doubt"

Both Pujara and Dravid batted at number three while representing India in whites. Dravid, who is also known as the 'Wall of Indian Cricket', represented India in 164 Tests, where he scored 13288 runs with a highest score of 270. He smashed 36 centuries and 63 half-centuries in his Test career.

On the other hand, Pujara so far played 103 Tests where he scored 7195 runs with a highest score of 203*, including 19 tons and 35 fifties. He last represented India in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final against Australia.

While asked about numbers four and five, Pujara picked Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, respectively.

He further explained that he picked their numbers based on their debut years. Sachin is at number four because he made his debut before Virat.

Talking about the wicketkeeper batter, he picked MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant, where he prioritised the CSK skipper over Pant.

"MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant are close. Right now it's MS Dhoni because Rishabh Pant is progressing as a cricketer and I hope that at the end of his career I have to say that it can be Rishabh Pant" added Pujara.

Cheteshwar Pujara's all-time Test XI: Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni