Chopra and Pujara join Kolkata franchise

	Aakash Chopra averaged an astonishing 332 in the recent Ranji one-dayers © Cricinfo Ltd

Saurashtra's Cheteshwar Pujara and Delhi's Aakash Chopra, the top two run-getters in the 2007-08 Ranji Trophy season, have been signed on by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

The new signings give the Kolkata squad eight Indian players, one more than the minimum needed given that only four foreign players can be part of the playing XI. It also helps the side overcome their shortage of Indian batsmen.

Chopra, who has represented India in 10 Tests, was also in excellent form in the recent Ranji one-dayers - making three centuries in four innings, finishing with a strike-rate above 100 and an astonishing average of 332.

He was unveiled at a function in Mumbai on Thursday and used the occasion to lash out at sceptics who felt his game was more suited for Tests. "In India, we tend to stereotype people, that certain batsmen are good for the Tests and not for the rest," Chopra said. "The IPL has given me the opportunity to prove people wrong. I think I have already shown improvement in my performance this year. My strike-rate has gone up and I am batting as well as anyone else."

The Knight Riders are also believed to have enlisted the services of physio Andrew Leipus and trainer Adrian Le Roux, who have previously worked with the Indian team. After his Indian stint, Le Roux was the fitness trainer for the South Africa team till the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.