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Cheteshwar Pujara, a name synonymous with resilience, grit, and unwavering concentration, has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket as one of the most dependable Test batsmen of his generation. This article delves into the impressive numbers that define Pujara's professional career, highlighting his significant contributions to the Indian cricket team and underscoring his status as a true modern-day great. From his remarkable Test statistics to his stellar first-class record, Pujara's journey is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and sheer love for the game.
Pujara's Test career is adorned with numerous milestones, the most significant being his accumulation of 7195 runs. This achievement places him among the elite company of eight Indian batsmen who have surpassed the 7000-run mark in Test cricket. He stands shoulder-to-shoulder with legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and Sourav Ganguly. This feat alone speaks volumes about Pujara's consistency and longevity in the demanding world of international cricket. His ability to accumulate runs consistently over an extended period has made him a cornerstone of the Indian batting lineup.
One of the defining aspects of Pujara's Test career has been his dominance at the No. 3 position. He has amassed 6529 runs while batting at this crucial spot, including 18 centuries. Only Rahul Dravid, the 'Wall' of Indian cricket, has exceeded both these counts for India, with 10524 runs and 28 hundreds. Furthermore, Pujara is one of only six batsmen in the history of Test cricket to have aggregated over 6000 runs while batting at No. 3. This exclusive list includes legends such as Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, Kane Williamson, and Hashim Amla. Pujara's ability to consistently perform at No. 3 highlights his temperament, technique, and mental fortitude – qualities essential for success in Test cricket. His consistent performances have provided stability and assurance to the Indian batting order, allowing his teammates to play with greater freedom and confidence.
While Pujara's career has been defined by his consistency and resilience, he also made a blistering start, reaching 1000 Test runs in just 18 innings. This is the third-fastest for an Indian batsman, only surpassed by Vinod Kambli (14 innings) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (16 innings). This achievement showcases Pujara's early potential and his ability to adapt quickly to the rigors of international cricket. His early success laid the foundation for a long and prosperous career, setting the stage for him to become a mainstay in the Indian Test team.
Pujara's contributions to India's success in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries cannot be overstated. He has been a part of 11 Test victories in these nations, the most for any Indian player. His match-winning hundreds in Adelaide and Melbourne during the 2018/19 Australia tour are iconic examples of his ability to perform under pressure in challenging conditions. His gritty fifties in Johannesburg (2018) and Brisbane (2020/21) further exemplify his resilience and determination to contribute to the team's success. These performances have cemented his reputation as a player who thrives in difficult conditions and consistently delivers when the team needs him the most. His ability to adapt to different pitches and conditions has made him an invaluable asset to the Indian Test team, particularly in overseas tours.
Pujara's monumental innings of 202 against Australia in Ranchi in 2017 is a testament to his unwavering concentration and remarkable stamina. He faced an astounding 525 balls during this innings, the most by an Indian batsman in a Test innings. This feat is a clear demonstration of his ability to bat for long periods, wear down opposition bowlers, and build a substantial score for his team. In fact, he is one of only four batsmen to have faced over 500 balls in a Test innings against Australia, joining the ranks of Wally Hammond, Len Hutton, and Ken Barrington. This innings is a symbol of Pujara's batting philosophy, which is rooted in patience, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of runs.
Pujara's ability to grind down opposition bowlers is further exemplified by his performance in the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He faced 1258 balls in that four-match series, the second-most by an Indian batsman in a four-match Test series, after Rahul Dravid's 1336 balls on the 2002 England tour. Pujara and Dravid are also the only two Indian No. 3 batsmen to have scored three or more hundreds in a Test series, whether at home or away. This series highlights Pujara's exceptional ability to perform under pressure and consistently contribute to the team's success. His marathon innings and crucial centuries played a pivotal role in India's historic Test series victory in Australia.
Pujara has also demonstrated his versatility by carrying his bat through a completed innings in Tests. He achieved this feat with an unbeaten 145* against Sri Lanka at SSC, Colombo in 2015. He joins the elite company of Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, and Rahul Dravid as the only Indian openers to have achieved this milestone. This innings showcases Pujara's ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities within the team, further enhancing his value as a team player.
Interestingly, Pujara is one of only three Indian players to have batted on all five days of a Test match. Coincidentally, all three instances occurred at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. M.L. Jaisimha achieved this feat against Australia in 1960, followed by Ravi Shastri against England in 1984, and Pujara against Sri Lanka in 2017. Overall, only 13 batsmen have achieved this milestone in Test cricket. This feat underscores Pujara's consistency and ability to perform consistently throughout a Test match, contributing to the team's success in all phases of the game.
The battle between Pujara and Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been one of the most captivating subplots in Test cricket in recent years. Pujara has been dismissed by Lyon 13 times, the most he has been dismissed by any bowler and the most Lyon has dismissed any batsman in Tests. However, Pujara has averaged a healthy 43.92 against Lyon, highlighting his ability to handle the off-spinner's variations and prevent him from dominating. This contest has been a fascinating display of skill and strategy, showcasing the nuances of Test cricket and the importance of individual battles within the larger context of the game. Their rivalry has become a symbol of the competitive spirit of Test cricket and the importance of mental fortitude in facing challenging opponents.
Beyond his Test achievements, Pujara boasts an impressive first-class record. He has aggregated 21301 runs in first-class cricket with 66 hundreds, a record surpassed only by Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid among Indian batsmen. This record is a testament to Pujara's consistency and dominance in domestic cricket. His performances in first-class cricket have consistently earned him a place in the Indian Test team, where he has continued to excel and contribute to the team's success. His ability to consistently score runs in first-class cricket has made him a valuable asset to the Indian cricket ecosystem.
Pujara has also been an integral part of the Saurashtra cricket team, featuring in five Ranji Trophy finals. He played a key role in Saurashtra's victories in 2019/20 and 2022/23 and was part of the team that finished runners-up in 2012/13, 2015/16, and 2018/19. He holds the record for the most runs (7774 at 62.19) and hundreds (25) for Saurashtra in first-class cricket. His contributions to Saurashtra cricket have been invaluable, helping the team achieve success and establish itself as a force in domestic cricket. His leadership and guidance have played a key role in shaping the careers of many young cricketers in Saurashtra.
Pujara's remarkable first-class record includes 18 double centuries, the fourth-most in the format ever, after Sir Don Bradman, Wally Hammond, and Patsy Hendren. He also has three first-class triple centuries, the joint-most by an Indian batsman, alongside his Saurashtra teammate Ravindra Jadeja. These statistics highlight Pujara's ability to score big runs and dominate opposition bowlers in first-class cricket. His consistent performances in domestic cricket have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers and have earned him a place among the legends of Indian cricket. His dedication, perseverance, and sheer love for the game have made him an inspiration to millions of cricket fans around the world.
In conclusion, Cheteshwar Pujara's career is a story of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the game of cricket. His impressive numbers and significant contributions to the Indian cricket team have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Test batsmen of his generation. From his remarkable Test statistics to his stellar first-class record, Pujara's journey is a testament to his unwavering passion for the game and his relentless pursuit of excellence. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and fans alike, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible.
Pujara's impact extends far beyond mere statistics; he embodies the virtues of patience, determination, and unwavering focus, characteristics that are often overlooked in the modern era of aggressive, high-scoring cricket. He is a throwback to the classical Test batsman, one who values occupation of the crease and wearing down the opposition bowlers above all else. His unwavering defensive technique, coupled with his ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on scoring opportunities, makes him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack. He is a master of the art of attrition, a player who understands the importance of building partnerships and accumulating runs steadily over long periods. His approach to batting is a testament to the enduring values of Test cricket, emphasizing the importance of patience, discipline, and mental fortitude.
Moreover, Pujara's contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond his batting prowess. He is a role model for aspiring cricketers, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His calm and composed demeanor on and off the field makes him a respected figure in the cricketing community. He is a true ambassador for the game, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. His influence on the younger generation of cricketers is undeniable, inspiring them to embrace the challenges of Test cricket and strive for excellence.
In recent years, Pujara's form has fluctuated, leading to questions about his place in the Indian Test team. However, his unwavering belief in his abilities and his determination to overcome challenges have never wavered. He has consistently worked on his game, adapting his technique and refining his approach to batting. His resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to his mental strength and his unwavering commitment to the Indian cricket team. He is a player who never gives up, always striving to improve and contribute to the team's success. His perseverance in the face of criticism and scrutiny is an inspiration to us all.
As Cheteshwar Pujara continues his cricketing journey, his legacy as one of India's greatest Test batsmen remains secure. His contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for generations to come, inspiring aspiring cricketers and reminding us of the enduring values of patience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the game.
Source: India's No. 3 Colossus: Pujara's appetite in numbers