Cheteshwar Pujara will not be returning to Sussex for the 2025 County Championship season. The club has opted to release him in favour of Australian batsman Daniel Hughes, who will be available for both the Championship and T20 Vitality Blast matches throughout the season. Additionally, Sussex announced the signing of West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales for the opening block of Championship fixtures.
Pujara, who had been with Sussex for three consecutive years until 2024, played in the first seven Championship matches last season before Hughes joined the squad. Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace stated, "Replacing Cheteshwar is no small task, but Dan has fitted in seamlessly. We’re excited to have him for the full season next year."
Hughes was the top run-scorer during the group stages of this year’s Blast, scoring 560 runs at an average of 43.07, with five fifties and a top score of 96 not out. He played a key role in Sussex’s progression to the quarter-finals against Lancashire Lightning. Farbrace commended Hughes for his performance both on and off the field, emphasising his positive influence on the development of younger players.
Pujara wrapped up his time with Sussex by scoring a century in his final game against Middlesex in May 2024. Currently out of the Indian Test squad and not included in the Duleep Trophy squads, Pujara’s Saurashtra teammate Jaydev Unadkat will continue his stint with Sussex from the previous season.